[BmwJoel]

Hi,

I have both a 2025 X5 with DAPP and a 2026 X3 with DAPP.

With my 2025 X5, when I am on a highway it is complete self driving. I don't need to hold the steering wheel, and if the car detects someone in front driving slower than me then it asks me if I want to change lanes and if I accept I only need to glance at a side view mirror and it changes lanes automatically and all hands free.

I just got the 2026 X3 a week ago roughly and it appears to always require me to be holding the steering wheel. And if I want the car to change lanes then I need to signal with the turn signal and then it changes lanes.

Did BMW dramatically backtrack on what DAPP is for 2026, or is the 2026 X3 DAPP significantly worse than a 2025 X5 DAPP? OR do I have an issue with my car and need to take it in?

[BmwJoel]

I used AI and perhaps this is the answer :

The main difference in the Driver Assistance Professional Package (DAPP) is the X5's Highway Assistant feature allows hands-free driving up to 85 mph, while the X3's version is limited to hands-free driving under 40 mph for traffic jams. Other differences include the X5's more powerful standard engine, larger size, and more advanced standard interior features, while the X3 is more agile and compact.

Edit - assuming this is true, DAPP on an X3 is almost worthless.

Edit 2 - I built on bmwusa.com an X3 and X5 and yes this is the correct answer. for the X5 DAPP it specifically calls out "highway assistant" and for the X3 it's called "Traffic Jam Assistant". Pretty lame to be honest. It's even more crazy that the people selling me the car didn't know this either.

[Phillies8008]

This is the case between the i5 and i4, so that's correct. Annoying though it may be, Highway Assistant is reserved for the more expensive models that I don't want. DAPP requires hands on the wheel, though honestly it's still pretty worthwhile on a long trip, IMO.

Traffic Jam Assistant, as the name implies, only works in traffic jams on highways and only up to 40mph (as I recall).

[BmwJoel]

Yeah I would have still added it to the build had I known the difference before purchasing.... And not for nothing - BMW does charge 2500 for DAPP on the X5 and only 1700 for DAPP on the X3, so I shouldn't be too surprised that DAPP on the X3 is gimped in comparison.

I think my only gripe was the sales staff not being knowledgeable of this difference during the purchase process. Literally tried to confirm this was working on the test drive and was told "Maybe it's not engaging hands free because its raining right now". I really don't believe he was trying to mislead me... I think he literally didn't know.

[Phillies8008]

Agreed. It's pathetic when I know more about the car than the guy who makes his living selling them does.