By paying for a subscription, UK drivers of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-e can let go of the wheel on the UK’s mapped highways. But you won’t be able to take your eyes off the road, the car will do that for you. This is the first time such Level 3 autonomous driving technology has been approved for the rookie in Europe. In Canada and the United States, 193,000 BlueCruise-equipped Ford and Lincoln drivers have already driven 102 million kilometers (64 million miles) hands-free.

BlueCruise

BlueCruise technology monitors lane markings, speed signs and changing traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking, lane positioning and safe distance maintenance. The car can reduce its speed in traffic jams to a standstill. Sophisticated infrared camera technology constantly monitors the driver’s attention to ensure safety and confidence as the driver needs to be able to react at all times.

Manual

This driving mode uses the capabilities of Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC). It uses a combination of radar and cameras to detect and track the position and speed of other vehicles on the road. This system operates at a maximum speed of 130 km/h. Before switching to hands-free, driver-activated driving, the BlueCruise system confirms that lane markings are visible, the driver is watching the road and other conditions are appropriate. A driver-facing infrared camera, located under the dashboard, checks the driver’s gaze and head position – even with sunglasses – to ensure he’s focused on the road.

alarm

When the Ford Mustang Mach-e’s camera detects a lack of driver attention, the car plays warning messages on the dashboard. This is followed by audible warnings and then activation of the brakes to slow the vehicle. However, the car continues to follow the course of the road and controls the direction. Similar actions are taken if, when exiting a blue zone, the driver does not put their hands back on the steering wheel when prompted to do so. Of course, the driver can regain control of the vehicle at any time.

Blue Areas

This hands-free driving is only permitted on 3700 km of pre-map motorways in England, Scotland and Wales. These sections are called “blue zones”. The only ones that have been given the green light for BlueCruise technology by the UK Department for Transport. Ford offers the first 90 days with the purchase of the vehicle. After that, the customer has to pay a monthly subscription of £17.99 (€20.50). Ford plans to activate BlueCruise in other European countries as soon as regulatory conditions allow.