New automotive technologies: when to take a break from driving?

Modern assisted driving technologies, in fact, pamper not only the masses who look to cars as a means of transport, but also enthusiasts who love models with character. Because to drive exceptional cars you need to put a lot of effort into driving.

New automotive technologies: when to take a break from driving?

“It’s fun to drive old cars, but if you have to travel further, without the new technologies we’ve already gotten used to, it becomes a chore. Now it’s boring to drive new cars on straight roads with speed limits: the systems take away some of the work, do everything relatively safely and give the head more freedom,” says Vitoldas Milius, editor-in-chief of Auto Bild Lietuva magazine, about getting used to new technologies and returning.

Several technologies take some of the hassle out of driving. Perhaps most importantly in the new common model there is an adaptive cruise control system, which automatically brakes in front of the car in front and maintains a safe distance. Many cars know how to stay alone in the traffic lane, read the speed limit indicated on road signs.

Models from the “premium” segment once offered maximum autonomy: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, although they are also sometimes chased by mid-range pioneers, for example Kia, which installed level 3 autonomous driving functionality in its electric flagship EV9.

“Technology advances very quickly, so it should not be said that more expensive cars do anything better than cheaper ones. Sometimes an older system from a premium manufacturer can perform worse than a newer technology from an average manufacturer, and vice versa,” comments V. Milius.

What can new driverless cars do?

Although modern cars equipped with radar, lidar, cameras and powerful computers could already drive themselves if the road infrastructure is in order, this is still prohibited in the European Union, the driver is still responsible for driving. But still, what are new cars capable of?

There can be so many more luxurious models or mid-range flagships. Here, the Kia EV9, equipped with a third-level autonomous driving system, can move smoothly and safely in the center of its lane without driver intervention, maintaining the set speed or a safe distance from the car in front.

The second-generation Highway Driving Assist system also allows you to change lanes automatically when it is safe to do so. Even if the car turns itself, in theory you should keep your hands on the wheel, but it allows you to perform another action without warning in a dozen seconds: turning a bottle of water, unpacking a snack.

Such systems can be very useful in urban traffic jams: the car locks onto the vehicle in front, maintains speed when it slows down – does the same when it accelerates – always maintaining a safe distance. The car follows the lines and rolls into the center of the lane.

You have to keep your hands on the steering wheel, but the technology makes driving in heavy traffic easier, so it doesn’t require as much effort and you can communicate with passengers effortlessly. Buyers aren’t likely to buy big, roomy, travel-friendly cars like the Kia EV9 to drive themselves.

Will we have fully autonomous cars?

The Premium segment can offer even more. Here are more expensive Mercedes-Benz or Audi models with high-level, usually optional, auxiliary steering systems that can select a safe speed when approaching regular curves, roundabouts, or intersections. They use maps for this. However, the most advanced technologies are expected from the most expensive cars.

And how do mid-range players chase them? Progress is driven by competition. Also, electrification, which made transportation more expensive. If buyers have to pay more for a car, they expect more from it.

The aforementioned Kia EV9 is one of the largest and most spacious seven-seater lightweight electric cars on the European market. It is equipped with a huge 99.8 kWh battery that allows you to travel 541 km on a single charge, making it cost over 80 thousand. euro. Or close to the premium segment.

Of course, the most expensive model from the manufacturer must also be the most luxurious, so technologically advanced Koreans have tried to make the life of motorists much easier, as this justifies the higher price of electric cars.

And will there come a time when cars no longer need to be driven and we can enjoy a movie, read a book or simply blow our eyes while sitting in the left front seat? In some countries, autonomous car tests have been carried out for some time, some successfully, others less so.

“I had to drive an autonomous car in Japan already 15 years ago. There was adequate infrastructure there. But when it comes to public roads, I hardly think that most of us will be able to do this. It is necessary not only to create self-driving cars, but also to adapt the infrastructure,” comments V. Milius.