Ford has launched BlueCruise on Spanish highways, bringing hands-free driving to Kuga, Puma, Puma Gen-E, Mustang Mach-E and Ranger plug-in hybrid models. Drivers can let the system manage steering and speed on certified stretches while keeping their eyes on the road.
BlueCruise doesn’t let anyone zone out. It manages acceleration and lane position only in pre-approved BlueZones, while a camera behind the wheel tracks the driver’s gaze. If the driver loses focus, the car issues an alert. Ford and the DGT stress that BlueCruise is a support tool, not a replacement for human judgment. The driver must be ready to step in at any moment. The system operates only within pre-mapped Blue Zones. If the vehicle leaves these certified sections, hands-free mode switches off automatically, though basic driver assistance features may continue to function.
To activate BlueCruise, the driver opens Driver Assistance in the multimedia system, selects Cruise Control, then enables Lane Centering with Hands-Free. A steering wheel icon lights up on the dash, but only inside a BlueZone. Ford says more than 90% of Spain’s high-speed roads now qualify, covering most long trips. The Spanish launch is part of a wider European push: BlueCruise also operates in Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Czechia and Hungary. Across these 16 countries, Ford says Blue Zones cover about 95% of the motorway network.
Eligible vehicles come with a 90-day free trial. After that, BlueCruise costs 24.99 euros per month or 280 euros per year. Ford has also rolled out BlueCruise Edition versions of the Puma, Puma Gen-E and Kuga, distinguished by black wheels and a Vapour Blue paint job. In some countries, these editions come with BlueCruise pre-installed and no extra subscription, reflecting differences in each market’s offer.
BlueCruise handles curves and speed, but drivers must watch traffic and react to hazards. This reflects the careful rollout of advanced driver assistance in other regions, where regulators impose strict limits on automation. Under European Union Regulation 2019/2144, every new car sold in the EU from 2024 must include advanced driver assistance systems such as intelligent speed adaptation and emergency braking, as well as drowsiness detection and event data recorders. That sets the stage for systems like BlueCruise. The DGT stresses that distracted driving in Spain, including using a phone, adjusting vehicle systems or interacting with passengers, remains strictly prohibited even when using hands-free assistance. Violations can result in a 200-euro fine and the loss of 6 license points.
Spain’s car market has already seen a surge in electrification and automation. Recent moves by Spanish tech firms in the global EV sector reflect the country’s appetite for new mobility. BlueCruise’s arrival signals that mainstream brands are ready to push automation further while keeping drivers responsible.
Ford says BlueCruise cuts driver workload on long trips, but the person behind the wheel must never become a bystander. As more vehicles adopt similar systems, Spanish drivers will face new routines on the highway. For now, the driver’s vigilance still calls the shots.
