BMW of San Luis Obispo - Is Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change Available on the 2026 BMW X5 for Santa Margarita, CA Drivers?
Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change is one of the most talked-about technologies on the 2026 BMW X5—and for good reason. Available as part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package, this system supports hands-free driving on compatible, controlled-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph, helping reduce fatigue on long drives. Working with Steering and Lane Keeping Assistant, the system can initiate and complete lane changes when you confirm conditions are safe, adding a layer of convenience and confidence to your daily travel around Santa Margarita, CA and beyond.
What sets the X5 apart is the way this tech integrates with the rest of the vehicle. The BMW Curved Display keeps relevant information right where you expect it, while ConnectedDrive services provide live traffic and route data to keep trips on time. Standard safety features like Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning create a strong foundation; the Driving Assistant Professional Package builds upon that with Highway Assistant, Active Lane Change, and Emergency Stop Assistant for added peace of mind. You still remain an attentive driver, but the X5 helps shoulder the workload on compatible highways—making weekend getaways and weekday commutes that much easier.
So, who benefits most? If you spend substantial time on freeways—perhaps commuting between communities or heading out for Central Coast adventures—Highway Assistant can be a difference-maker. The system’s thoughtful tuning reflects BMW’s commitment to balanced, human-centered technology: helpful when you want it, unobtrusive when you don’t. It’s complemented by the X5’s core strengths: a smooth, powerful 375 hp inline-6 in 40i models; an optional 483 hp plug-in hybrid xDrive50e with up to 38 miles of electric range; and available xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive for year-round traction. Add in the X5’s quiet cabin, supportive seating, and features like the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof or Harman & Kardon® Premium Sound System, and long trips feel notably more relaxing.
Charging and tech also work hand-in-hand for xDrive50e shoppers. Every plug-in hybrid X5 includes a Flexible Fast Charger with adapters for 120V and 240V outlets, while an available BMW Wallbox enables Level 2 charging at up to 9.6 kW. Hybrid-specific displays show e-range, motor output, and charge status within the BMW Curved Display, and the My BMW App lets you precondition the cabin or schedule charging during off-peak hours. It’s the kind of thoughtful integration that keeps the X5 feeling fluent in everyday life.
When you’re ready to explore trim differences and confirm feature availability for your ideal build, our team is happy to help. At BMW of San Luis Obispo—serving Templeton, Atascadero, and Santa Margarita—we’ll walk you through real-world use cases, compatible highway coverage for Highway Assistant, and whether the Driving Assistant Professional Package aligns with your driving routine. You can also test the system on an appropriate route to experience how it manages steady cruising and lane changes when traffic allows.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Highway Assistant standard on the 2026 BMW X5?
No. Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change is available as part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package on select X5 models. Your client advisor can confirm availability based on your configuration.
What speeds does Highway Assistant support?
The system supports hands-free driving on compatible, controlled-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph, when conditions allow. The driver must remain attentive and ready to take over at all times.
Can the X5 change lanes by itself?
When equipped, Active Lane Change can initiate and complete lane changes after the driver confirms it’s safe to proceed and conditions are appropriate. It works with Steering and Lane Keeping Assistant to maintain smooth, confident movement.
Will Highway Assistant work on every road?
No. It’s designed for compatible, controlled-access highways. Your build and navigation data help determine availability along your route, and you’ll receive clear prompts in the display when the system is ready.
Want to see it in action? Schedule a tailored test drive, and we’ll help you evaluate Highway Assistant alongside the X5’s performance and comfort features on a route that mirrors your daily drive.