Ford is taking another confident step toward the future of semi-autonomous driving, confirming that its BlueCruise hands-off driving system will roll out to more UK models in 2026. After debuting on the Mustang Mach-E in 2023, the Level 2+ driver-assist tech will soon find its way into the Puma, the upcoming all-electric Puma Gen-E, the Kuga SUV, and even the Ranger pickup.
The move represents a major expansion for Ford’s advanced driver assistance suite, which remains the only legally approved hands-off system for use on UK roads. In a landscape where competitors like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo are racing to refine their own adaptive cruise systems, Ford holds a rare regulatory advantage — one it’s now leveraging across its mainstream lineup.
BlueCruise combines radar sensors and camera-based lane-tracking to deliver an experience that goes well beyond standard adaptive cruise control. When driving on approved “BlueCruise roads” — a network now covering roughly 95% of the UK’s motorway system — drivers can literally take their hands off the wheel while the car maintains lane position, speed, and distance to traffic ahead.
Still, this isn’t full autonomy. The system continuously monitors driver attentiveness using infrared cameras, and any lapse in eye contact with the road leads to an immediate deactivation. Ford calls this “hands-off, eyes-on” driving — a subtle but critical distinction that keeps the tech on the right side of both legislation and safety.
From spring next year, BlueCruise will be available on new 2026 models equipped with the Driver Assistance Pack, though owners will need to activate a £17.99-per-month subscription to use it. There’s no word on retrofit compatibility, meaning current owners will have to wait for their next new Ford to experience it.
“We’re committed to putting cutting-edge technology in the hands of more drivers,” said Torsten Wey, Ford Europe’s software boss. “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.”
With this rollout, Ford isn’t just chasing the future — it’s driving it onto the UK’s motorways. The company’s strategy of democratizing high-tech convenience across affordable models could give it a decisive edge as the semi-autonomous revolution accelerates.
Source: Ford