A low-cost self-driving car? The Volkswagen and Bosch project

The two German groups Volkswagen and Bosch are developing a "software stack" based on artificial intelligence, "ready for use in production projects from mid-2026," they said in a joint statement.

This Level 2+ solution, which allows the driver to temporarily release the steering wheel while remaining vigilant, will initially be reserved for highways. A Level 3 technology—the vehicle drives itself in certain specific situations and allows the driver to no longer monitor the road—is also planned, but there is no timeline yet.

In Germany, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have already launched Level 3 autonomous driving systems, priced at around €6,000 (CHF 5,660) for their top-of-the-range models, the 7 Series and S-Class. The latter will allow speeds of up to 95 km/h with their eyes closed from spring 2025. But for Volkswagen and Bosch, the goal is to make autonomous driving "available to millions of drivers, from the consumer segment to the premium segment," the press release explains, without disclosing a price.

The technology won't be immediately applicable on the road. It is initially intended to be integrated into future Volkswagen Group models built with the future SDV software architecture developed with the American company Rivian, expected from 2027, a spokesperson for the manufacturer told AFP. It could first equip the ID.1, VW's small city car promised to cost around 20,000 euros (18,860 francs) for 2027.

If Volkswagen encounters a delay, the autonomous driving technology could be marketed to other manufacturers in advance, according to an internal source at Bosch. Launched in 2022, the partnership aims to propel the two manufacturers into the autonomous driving race, facing off against companies born in this field such as the American Tesla and Waymo. The Stellantis group announced last February that it would soon offer cars equipped with a Level 3 system up to 60 km/h under certain conditions.