BACK

BMW has a $1250 option called Active Steering. Depending on your car speed, turning the steering wheel will turn the tires at different rates. If you're driving fast, turns will be smooth and less drastic. Slow speeds (like city driving or parking) turn the car faster. The end result of this system is better control and more efficient driving.

The picture below was a NAIAS demonstration of this system at work. Pushing a button for highway, city or parking speeds and turning the steering wheel would turn the model tires at different rates.

The text in the picture above reads:

Delivering the perfect blend of stability and agility. BMW's unique Active Steering enhances your driving experience. It varies the steering ratio based on vehicle speed. At low and medium speeds, the steering is more direct. The car is more agile and nimble, especially on twisty roads.