In 2021, Ford launched its BlueCruise hands-free driving software. The system allows drivers to simply sit at the wheel, not interfacing with the pedals or the steering wheel, the latter point being what differentiates it from widespread adaptive cruise control software. These simply allow the car to stop and start for you, while you steer or hold the wheel, whereas BlueCruise does it all. Now, with a new update, it does even more. However, there’s a snag: not all Ford owners with BlueCruise will benefit.
Ford’s BlueCruise Update Alienates Older Models
Previously, Ford has been able to make BlueCruise updates over the air. These updates would come to your car, download, install, and implement themselves without a time-consuming trip to the dealer or, critically, new hardware. That changes with 1.5, which now adds automatic lane-change functionality. As a result, 2025 Mustang Mach-E models need updated sensors, cameras, and processors. Older models don’t have it, though Ford did say that support for other 2025 models would follow, expanding the functionality beyond just the Mach-E.
The system makes a few changes, including a new warning system that will alert owners when hands-free driving is interrupted, explaining why, as well as notifications for the aforementioned automatic lane changes.
However, as a result, the owners of previous Mach-E models, and presumably, other Ford models not featuring the new sensors, cameras, and processors, are also out of luck. That means owners who paid for BlueCruise are effectively hard-capped at an inferior version of the software. It probably doesn’t feel good, considering BlueCruise’s hefty $2,495 MSRP. The service can also be had annually or monthly.
Ford’s New Update Brings New Features
The update allows for automatic lane-changing, which will bring the vehicle around slower traffic when applicable. If you come up on a car doing 60 in a 65, the car will automatically change lanes to the left and overtake. You can also tell the car to move back into the slower lane (as all good drivers should do anyway). The system makes a few changes, including a new warning system that will alert owners when hands-free driving is interrupted, explaining why, as well as notifications for the aforementioned automatic lane changes.
Elsewhere, Ford has updated the user interface that should make it much easier for users to identify when hands-free driving is available in the first place, and when it isn’t.
TopSpeed’s Take
Ford, naturally, wants to improve BlueCruise to make it better. Other brands offer auto lane-changing, and staying competitive is no doubt important for business. However, it’s also a shame Ford couldn’t find a way to do it without the hardware updates, which ice out older owners who paid quite a lot for the software that’s now inferior compared to newer versions.
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