Ford is bringing its “hands-off” autonomous driving system, Bluecruise, to more vehicle models in the UK next year. This move expands access to hands-free highway driving for a broader range of Ford customers.
Launched in 2023, Bluecruise is unique in the UK automotive market as the only Level 2+ autonomous system legally permitted for use on public roads. It operates similarly to advanced adaptive cruise control found in many vehicles today (like those from BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz), but with the added capability of allowing drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel under certain conditions.
The technology relies on a network of radar sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Bluecruise is currently active on designated “Bluecruise roads,” which cover an impressive 95% of UK motorways. However, drivers must maintain visual focus on the road at all times. If the system detects that the driver is not actively watching the road, it automatically disengages.
Until now, Bluecruise has been exclusively available on the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover. Beginning in spring 2024, the system will be incorporated into four additional Ford models: the Puma, Puma Gen-E (the electrified version of the Puma), Kuga, and Ranger pickup truck.
To access Bluecruise, new 2026 model year vehicles must be equipped with the Driver Assistance Pack and have an active Bluecruise subscription, which costs £17.99 per month. It is not anticipated that this technology will be available as a retrofit option for older Ford models.
“We’re committed to putting cutting-edge technology in the hands of more drivers,” said Torsten Wey, Ford Europe’s software chief. “With BlueCruise now available on five vehicle lines in Europe, we’re helping make hands-free highway driving accessible to a wider array of customers.” This expansion signals Ford’s continued investment in autonomous driving technology and its ambition to bring advanced driver assistance features to a broader segment of its European customer base.
