I’ve seen this headline a few times and the details are laughably bad. The only reason this can be getting any press is because the headline is good clickbait. But 40 mph top speed on approved roads in 2 states only if a car is in front of you in the daytime is entirely useless. I guess it’s a good first step maybe? But trying to write headlines like this is big news is sad.
cAUzapNEAGLb@lemmy.world 2 months ago
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As of April 11, there were 65 Mercedes autonomous vehicles available for sale in California, Fortune has learned through an open records request submitted to the state’s DMV. One of those has since been sold, which marks the first sale of an autonomous Mercedes in California, according to the DMV. Mercedes would not confirm sales numbers. Select Mercedes dealerships in Nevada are also offering the cars with the new technology, known as “level 3” autonomous driving. …
Drivers can activate Mercedes’s technology, called Drive Pilot, when certain conditions are met, including in heavy traffic jams, during the daytime, on spec ific California and Nevada freeways, and when the car is traveling less than 40 mph. Drivers can focus on other activities until the vehicle alerts them to resume control. The technology does not work on roads that haven’t been pre-approved by Mercedes, including on freeways in other states.
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U.S. customers can buy a yearly subscription of Drive Pilot in 2024 EQS sedans and S-Class car models for $2,500.
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Mercedes is also working on developing level 4 capabilities. The automaker’s chief technology officer Markus Schäfer expects that level 4 autonomous technology will be available to consumers by 2030, Automotive News reported.
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jballs@sh.itjust.works 2 months ago
lemmyvore@feddit.nl 2 months ago
40 mph top speed on approved roads in 2 states only if a car is in front of you in the daytime is entirely useless.
It’s specifically designed to navigate traffic congestion, which happens under 30 mph. It can keep up with the lane, deal with lane changes, honk if someone backs into you, let ambulances through, things like that. Not sure why the article presents it as generic driving.
Turun@feddit.de 2 months ago
The reason this gets attention is because it’s the first level 3 sold to consumers.
The tech is hard, of course it’s gonna start out with laughingly limited capabilities. But it’s the first step towards more automation.
ripcord@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Fucking subscription. No.
Ilovethebomb@lemm.ee 2 months ago
Hmm, so only on a very small number of predetermined routes, and at very slow speeds for those roads.
Still impressive, but not as impressive as the headline makes out.
VindictiveJudge@lemmy.world 2 months ago
And definitely not worth the $2500 a year they’re asking for the feature.
Cryan24@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Chances are, If you can afford the car, then that amount is nothing to you.
ours@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Having known one, some of their customers love their feature loaded cars to brag about and feel extra special. Some will definitely pay the 2.5k gladly.
Veraxus@lemmy.world 2 months ago
If they assume full liability for any collisions then, I can see that being fair.
NeoNachtwaechter@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Come on, you have been able to pay the price of that Mercedes in the first place.
These 2500 are not going to hurt.
erwan@lemmy.ml 2 months ago
Many people use credit to buy a car out of their league.
Turun@feddit.de 2 months ago
Yes, but it’s actually level 3.
Not the Tesla “full self driving - no wait we actually lied to you, you need to be alert at all times” bullshit.