Semi-autonomy within five years

BMW Designworks boss Laurenz Schaffer says hands-off autonomous driving is only three to five years away.

The head of the Los Angeles based BMW-owned standalone design consultancy, Schaffer says that by 2020-22 many new cars will have semi-autonomous functionality that will allow drivers to "read a newspaper" while commuting.

Ironically, the same rules that will allow the implementation of semi-autonomous cars will ensure that cell-phone use must remain handsfree.

Schaffer explained the autonomous timeline to motoring.com.au during a visit to BMW Designworks in Newbury Park on Los Angeles' northern outskirts earlier this week.

Purchased by BMW in 1995, Designworks specialises in automotive, aviation, furniture and consumer electronics design. Its key claims to fame within the BMW Group are as the progenitor of the X range of SUVs, as well as taking design lead on the Rolls Royce Phantom and showcars like the cloth-covered GINA.

More recently Designworks has complete projects for Mercury Marine, Hilti powertools and brands like Senheiser, Pilatus (aircraft) and Singapore Airlines.

"Regulators require the driver to take over control within five seconds, but they can be eyes-off," Schaffer explained referring to the rules which will cover the first roll-out of autonomous technologies.

"We think fully-automated cars will not be before 2025 and beyond," he stated.

Schaffer defines this stage of 'true' autonomous motoring as when "drivers can do other things".

"Consumers will have two, maybe three or four hours per day in their car. What else can they be doing [with this time]?," he asked rhetorically.

Schaffer says the design studio's work with aircraft manufacturers and airlines designing short and long-haul cabins and cockpits is helping to inform the future of car interiors.

First and Business Class cabin offerings are merging. 'Super' First, where the emphasis is – an individual room-like space is the next frontier in airline travel, he says.

"We are looking at what our [aviation] clients are requesting in terms of interior design. It opens up very clear possibilities for car interiors going forward," he said.