An autonomous vehicle development collaboration between BMW and Mercedes is likely to see Level 4 self-driving cars operating on motorways as early as 2024. Level 4 means that a driver could sit passively in the vehicle as it drives itself down a motorway, as well as utilising other driver assistance aids and automated parking.

The two car giants are pooling 1,200 autonomous driving experts in an effort to achieve their goal. They will work in mixed teams and focus on different areas of development.

BMW has plans to release a Level 3 self-driving car in 2021, while Mercedes parent company Daimler is working with Bosch on an urban self-driving pilot programme. Both companies are also in negotiations to develop self driving robo-taxis.