Trying to decide between BMW Driving Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant Professional? You’re not alone. These two optional driver-assistance packages can be confusing—especially since their names are so similar and features often overlap.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, what each package includes, and help you decide which one fits your driving habits and budget best.
BMW’s Advanced Driving Assistance Systems Explained
BMW offers different tiers of driver-assistance packages depending on the model, trim level, and year. These systems are designed to improve safety, reduce fatigue, and even bring semi-autonomous functionality to your drive.
The two most discussed packages are:
- Driving Assistant Plus – A mid-tier package with advanced cruise and lane keeping features
- Driving Assistant Professional – BMW’s top-tier package, adding hands-free semi-autonomous capabilities
While they share a foundation of safety technologies, Driving Assistant Professional is significantly more advanced, particularly for highway driving and stop-and-go traffic.
BMW Driving Assistant Plus: Key Features
Driving Assistant Plus is a comprehensive safety and driver support package. It builds on the base “Driving Assistant” suite (which includes lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and rear collision alert) by adding radar-guided technologies.
Core Features of Driving Assistant Plus:
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and can bring the car to a complete stop in traffic.
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant: Actively keeps the car centered in its lane on well-marked roads.
- Traffic Jam Assistant (limited): Semi-automated driving in slow traffic up to around 37 mph (60 km/h).
- Front collision warning with braking: Detects vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists and automatically brakes to avoid impact.
- Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance: Gently steers to prevent lane departure or side collisions.
Ideal for: Daily commuters, long-distance drivers, or anyone wanting semi-autonomous cruise functionality without needing full hands-free control.
BMW Driving Assistant Professional: What You Get
Driving Assistant Professional is the most advanced version of BMW’s semi-autonomous technology suite. It includes everything in Driving Assistant Plus and adds enhanced features geared toward hands-free highway travel and advanced situational awareness.
Included in Driving Assistant Professional:
- Everything in Driving Assistant Plus
- Extended Traffic Jam Assistant: Hands-free driving at low speeds on divided highways (under specific conditions)
- Highway Assistant (selected markets/models): Full hands-free driving on approved highways at speeds up to 85 mph (U.S. models)
- Lane Change Assistant: Suggests and performs automatic lane changes when the driver confirms
- Active Lane Keeping with Assisted Lane Change: Continuously monitors surroundings and changes lanes smoothly
- Emergency Stop Assistant: If the driver becomes unresponsive, the system can safely bring the car to a stop and activate hazards
- Cross Traffic Alert Front: Warns of approaching vehicles or objects when pulling into traffic
- Evasion Aid: Helps the driver steer around obstacles during sudden avoidance maneuvers
Ideal for: Tech-savvy drivers, frequent highway travelers, and those seeking the closest thing to autonomous driving in a BMW today.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Feature | Driving Assistant Plus | Driving Assistant Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Yes | Yes |
| Steering & Lane Control Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning & Correction | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Traffic Jam Assistant | Limited (up to ~37 mph) | Extended (hands-free, up to 85 mph) |
| Automatic Lane Change | No | Yes |
| Emergency Stop Assistant | No | Yes |
| Cross Traffic Alert (Front) | No | Yes |
| Evasion Aid | No | Yes |
| Highway Hands-Free Driving | No | Yes (select models & markets) |
Which BMW Models Offer These Packages?
Availability of Driving Assistant Plus vs. Professional depends on the BMW model, year, and market. Most current-generation models support the Professional package, while older vehicles are limited to Plus.
BMW Models with Driving Assistant Plus (Available or Standard):
- BMW 3 Series (G20 – 2019+)
- BMW 5 Series (G30 – 2017+)
- BMW X3 / X4 (G01/G02 – 2018+)
- BMW X5 / X6 (G05/G06 – 2019+)
- BMW 7 Series (G11/G12 – 2016+)
BMW Models with Driving Assistant Professional (Available or Standard):
- BMW i4 and iX (2022+)
- BMW 3 Series (G20 LCI – 2023+)
- BMW 5 Series (G60 – 2024+)
- BMW 7 Series (G70 – 2023+)
- BMW X5 / X6 LCI (2024+)
Note: Package availability also depends on region. For example, Highway Assistant is currently only enabled in the U.S. on select models.
How Much Do These Packages Cost?
Pricing varies by model and market, but here’s a general idea:
- Driving Assistant Plus: Typically $1,700–$2,000 USD (optional on most mid-tier trims)
- Driving Assistant Professional: Ranges from $2,100–$3,400 USD (sometimes included in Executive or Technology packages)
For many buyers, the added cost of the Professional package is justified by the level of automation and long-distance driving ease it provides.
Is Driving Assistant Professional Worth It?
It depends on how you drive, where you live, and how much you value semi-autonomous tech.
Choose Driving Assistant Plus if:
- You want enhanced safety and comfort for highway commuting
- You’re budget-conscious but want more than basic safety features
- You don’t need full hands-free capability
Go with Driving Assistant Professional if:
- You regularly take long highway trips and want hands-free functionality
- You’re a tech enthusiast and enjoy cutting-edge driving aids
- Your BMW supports the Highway Assistant and lane change features
Real-World Driving Experience
Users who have tested both packages report that:
- Driving Assistant Plus is great for light traffic and highway cruising but requires constant driver input.
- Driving Assistant Professional shines in traffic jams and longer drives where hands-free capability reduces fatigue dramatically.
That said, BMW’s systems still require full driver attention and compliance with road laws—even if hands-free functionality is available.
Conclusion
Choosing between BMW Driving Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant Professional ultimately comes down to your preferences and driving style. While both systems enhance safety and convenience, Driving Assistant Professional takes things to a whole new level with hands-free driving, automatic lane changes, and advanced emergency functions.
If you’re a frequent highway traveler or love the latest tech, go Professional. If you’re a casual commuter who just wants some extra peace of mind, Plus may be all you need.
Ready to spec your next BMW? Use this guide to decide which assistant package fits your lifestyle—and enjoy every mile with more confidence and less stress behind the wheel.