Ford is rapidly bringing its advanced driver assistance technology, BlueCruise, to a wider range of vehicles in Europe, signaling a shift toward democratizing features once exclusive to premium models. This move means drivers won’t have to shell out for top-tier trims to experience the convenience of hands-free driving.
Starting in spring 2026, Ford will offer BlueCruise as part of an optional Driver Assistance Pack on several popular SUV and pickup models: the Puma, Puma Gen-E (electric version), Kuga compact SUV, and Ranger PHEV. This significantly expands access to the technology beyond its initial launch on the Mustang Mach-E in 2023.
BlueCruise uses a sophisticated system of cameras and sensors to monitor traffic, lane markings, and even the driver’s attentiveness through gaze and head position tracking. Based on Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, it allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel while remaining focused on the road, automatically managing acceleration, braking, and steering within designated “Blue Zones.”
Europe boasts over 135,000 km (84,000 miles) of these Blue Zones – highways specifically mapped for hands-free operation. This extensive network allows for journeys like driving from Stockholm to Rome without ever needing to touch the wheel, covering a distance of approximately 2,000 km (1,500 miles) across six countries in about 25 hours.
Globally, Ford and Lincoln owners have already accumulated over 888 million km (552 million miles) driving with BlueCruise enabled, although the majority of these miles were likely logged in North America. The company will announce pricing and subscription details for the Driver Assistance Pack closer to the spring 2026 launch date in select European markets, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
Ford’s expansion of BlueCruise highlights a growing trend in the automotive industry: making advanced driver-assistance systems more widely available. This could lead to greater adoption of hands-free driving technology, reshaping how people perceive and interact with their vehicles on the road.
