Can you really buy and legally use a full self-driving car today?

Following up from testing the @MercedesBenz DRIVE PILOT system on the @mercedes-benzdeutschland6893 proving grounds last summer, MotoMan tests the market ready system on the freeways of Los Angeles just before the system goes on sale in Nevada and California. Yes, he learns the system works but presents some unexpected challenges.

#Mercedes #MercedesDRIVEPILOT #DRIVEPILOT #Level3 #SClass #EQS

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[mikemaslanka]

MM, I have been subscribed for almost 3 years now and think your reviews are of the highest quality. What is keeping you from exploring the possibility of developing a weekly syndicated automobile review/news show for nationwide TV station/cable distribution? Your average video length is about 15 minutes now and for a 30 minute show you would have to expand it to about 22 minutes before commercials. The show could be what you are doing now; car reviews, interviews and sprinkle in pertinent news about the industry.

It would generate more income for you and leverage your voice and opinion in the industry giving you more “clout”. Living in “So. Kommiefornia” gives you access to all of the media industry to put something like that together.

To me, this would almost be a slam dunk for you! Just thinking……

[jays]

This system seems very primitive compared to Tesla which can actual take you to a destination by making turns after coming to a stop at a light or stop sign.

[Mister_MasterzRN]

One frustrating aspect of these systems is the delay in response during "stop and go" situations, like in traffic. When the car ahead moves, the autopilot in your vehicle often has a noticeable delay before it starts moving. This can be annoying to drivers behind you due to the sluggish reaction in keeping pace with the car in front.

[arthurcatalanotto]

I have to say that I truly appreciate this technology; but I still enjoy and want to drive my own vehicle. I am 63 years old. I have to wonder what the insurance industry thinks of this autonomy driving stuff? Thanks for another interesting video.

[davecarlson]

Since I’m old and think this self-driving stuff is nuts, I fear the first time the system gets hacked and causes the biggest multi-car crash anyone has ever seen.

[OldSkoolUncleChris]

Do you know Sandy Monroe? He recently said the answer is infa-red not LIDAR, citing the accuracy and its effectiveness as used by US military.

[fantomtuba]

I'm curious how this would work on the German Autobahn. What do you do, set max cruise control to 150mph, let the car go, and trust it?

[Mjln]

Under 40 mph, only in traffic with a car in front of you, only during the day, only in good weather. This system is basically useless.

[Cloxxki]

Apart from the Austin traffic jam ones? :-D

[joao-pt]

Nice video, interesting tech but F*CK car manufacturers subscriptions!
Thank you for the comprehensive review, as always.

[macdee]

Hmm that’s kinda funny. I’m driving the Toyota’s new Crown, and they have a similar system called Advanced Drive (which is a part/extension? Of Toyota safety sense 3 system, which would:
- only work on approved highways and larger country roads (afaik these don’t need to be specifically mapped, but think Toyota does some sort of higher resolution maps for them?..)
- needs some traffic (jams)
- speeds up to 40km/h
- stop and go, no holding the wheel, it’ll track your attention
- no lane change
- believe it would still work in at least dusk conditions as well as at least light rain though.

They don’t call Level 3. Because really, it isn’t. And yes, it’s available for all Crown RS Advanced trims, no limits on number of cars produced as long as you want one. And no subscriptions.

So hm.. Unless I’m missing something, Mercedes proposition is kinda a bit weird and way too limited? And also shouldn’t even be called L3 level, probably.

That’s said, Lexus LS and Toyota Mirai have even higher level systems with Lidars, where you can drive on mapped highways (pretty much all main highways of Japan) AND they would get you from entrance to exit, including lane changes. Called Copilot I believe.

[Cloxxki]

5 levels of self driving, and Tesla has been stuck on two for a decade, since they first got into it.

[garyclark]

Ah, so that’s what the extra steering wheel buttons are at 10 and 2. Though my HDA2 in my 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD does change lanes and requires an ever so slight torque input to the wheel, in stop and go I can not remember it requiring that input so maybe it’s by the distance covered. HDA2 doesn’t require pre-mapped roads or a subscription. Seems like Hyundai is push level two autonomy to a very comprehensive level and the KIA’s EV9 will debut the first LiDAR that I might add is quite handsomely integrated. They will not however be releasing those capabilities at launch for similar reasons you discussed I’m sure. I for one will not be paying for feature hardware that isn’t enhancing HDA in the meantime. I like driving too much to stress if the vehicle is handling it well. Hyundai should implement a better notification of system disengagement. 💯Yes, hands on the wheel but honestly that doesn’t alert you that a system you trust isn’t making decisions any longer about a lot more than just steering that has been disengaged. Great analysis as always. 15:01

[nappiral]

My 2021 M550 will do handsfree traffic up to 40 mph. I believe the newest BMWs do it up to 70 mph on limited access roads and both will change lanes on signal. This doesn't seem like a breakthrough and the rear camera seems to be the only difference.

[msalvag]

Very interesting technology. Not for me, as I enjoy driving myself, but still fascinating to see it in action. I suspect if I had this car in Ontario and was watching videos instead of driving, I'd be ticketed heavily by the OPP for distracted driving.

[cheapercharlie]

any feedback from MBZ on why the cutoff above 40mph?

[dafigueredo]

So question, what’s the difference between this and BMW driver assistance professional? My 22 M4 was able drive itself hands free when on an interstate and under 45 mph. It would watch and track eyes and warn me to take control as the speed increased up to 45 during traffic.

[etjulien]

You can almost always guarantee traffic on the 10 when you approach the 405.😂

[telliesmith]

This system looks like it's behind the GM super cruise and Tesla auto p just saying

[macstone]

After all you went through with your accident, I hope self-driving will never be "normal". It simply produces very bad drivers.