Whitby, Ontario... BMW has announced a new system in steering: ActiveSteering. One of the most crucial elements of enthusiastic driving, or any driving for that matter, is steering. BMW's new ActiveSteering system contributes greatly to the overall feel and balance of the driving experience. BMW ActiveSteering takes the responsivness of BMW's traditional steering one step further by introducing a technology that allows the front wheels to be positioned more accurately according to the drivers input. The result is that BMW is again setting the benchmark in agility, comfort and safety.
The safety benefits of such a system are clear. Whenever driving stability is limited, for example on wet or slippery roads or in crosswinds, ActiveSteering quickly assists and improves driving stability. Even in parking lots ActiveSteering will demonstrate its benefits by allowing the steering wheel to be turned less. The direct steering transmission ratio of ActiveSteering enables the driver to achieve the same turning radius in two rotations of the steering wheel, where the driver may have traditionally made three rotations.
ActiveSteering is particularly evident at low and medium speeds, where it can change the steering angle of the wheels faster than the driver would be able. The driving benefits of ActiveSteering become most obvious on twisty roads where ActiveSteering chooses a more direct steering transmission than a conventional steering system, thereby increasing the vehicle's agility and nimble responsiveness.
The requirements of a vehicle's steering system are extremely varied. At slower speeds the front wheels should respond as directly as possible to the drivers inputs, while at higher speeds the steering should become less direct. However, it is equally important that the steering does not become numb and continues to provide feedback to the driver. BMW ActiveSteering accomplishes this balance.