Summary
- Ford has lowered the price of its BlueCruise advanced driving assistance system
- Owners of compatible vehicles can now buy BlueCruise to use forever for a one-time fee
- Monthly subscription cost has been reduced from $75 to $49, and annual subscription is now $495
- The $2,495 one-time purchase option will be available on select 2025 model-year vehicles
- BlueCruise 1.4 allows longer hands-free highway driving stints and has decreased disengagements
Article
Ford BlueCruise Price Reduction and Purchase Options
Ford recently announced a significant price reduction for its BlueCruise advanced driving assistance system, making it more affordable for owners of compatible vehicles. Additionally, Ford now offers the option for customers to purchase BlueCruise for a one-time fee to use forever, a change that was not previously available. This new pricing structure went into effect at the beginning of the month and applies to both new subscriptions and existing ones that are up for renewal. The monthly subscription cost has been reduced from $75 to $49, while the annual subscription price is now $495, down from $800. In addition, customers now have the option to buy BlueCruise forever for a one-time fee of $2,495, with a three-year option available for $2,100.
Availability of BlueCruise on 2025 Ford Vehicles
The one-time purchase option for BlueCruise will be available on select 2025 model-year vehicles when ordered new. Ford has also stated that customers who purchase a new 2024 or 2024 BlueCruise-equipped vehicle will have the option to upgrade to the one-time purchase if desired. However, it remains unclear what the options are for older models, such as the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Ford has also announced that the latest version of BlueCruise, version 1.4, has significantly reduced disengagements compared to previous iterations, resulting in longer hands-free highway driving sessions. This update will be factory-installed on select 2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, with over-the-air updates available for older models.
Functionality and Limitations of Ford BlueCruise
It is important to note that Ford BlueCruise is designed for use on divided highways, with 130,000 miles of pre-mapped roads in North America where the system can be engaged. This places it behind competitors such as General Motors’ Super Cruise, which works on 750,000 highway miles, and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, which theoretically works on any type of road, including city streets. Ford BlueCruise operates as a Level 2 driving assistance system, meaning that the driver must remain attentive and in control of the vehicle at all times. The system can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed, steering, and braking based on traffic conditions, as well as perform automatic lane changes with driver input.
Implications for Current and Future BlueCruise Owners
For owners of compatible Ford vehicles, the price reduction and new purchase options for BlueCruise provide increased flexibility and affordability when it comes to accessing advanced driving assistance technology. Whether opting for a monthly, annual, or one-time purchase plan, customers now have more choices for how they want to utilize the features of BlueCruise. The inclusion of BlueCruise as a standard feature or optional upgrade on 2025 model-year vehicles further expands the accessibility of this technology to a wider range of customers. With ongoing updates and improvements to the system, Ford is working to enhance the performance and reliability of BlueCruise for current and future owners.
Future Development and Expansion of Ford BlueCruise
As Ford continues to evolve its BlueCruise system, customers can expect to see further advancements in functionality and performance. The company’s commitment to reducing disengagements and enhancing hands-free driving capabilities demonstrates a dedication to improving the overall user experience with BlueCruise. Additionally, the expansion of over-the-air updates to older vehicles means that existing customers can benefit from the latest features without needing to purchase a new vehicle. With ongoing competition in the advanced driving assistance market, Ford is positioning itself as a key player in providing cutting-edge technology to enhance the driving experience for its customers. As the automotive industry moves towards increasing levels of autonomy, Ford BlueCruise stands out as a reliable and innovative option for those looking to experience the benefits of hands-free highway driving.
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