When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am getting sooo coddled by the self-driving capabilities of a C300 (it self drives, self-steers, really makes me a better driver, it is addicting). I find it also tempting to consider a Model S (considering so much hype there is in the media about it). Lets list some of the differences in the "autopilot technology" of a Model S vs. C300, understanding its not apple to apple comparison (Model S is priced almost twice that of a C300)
Haven't seen a straight C Class vs. Tesla side by side comparison, but from the YouTube videos that I've seen there seems very little difference in what it's capable of.
Latest videos I've seen the Model S seems to self-steer without you holding on to the steering wheel at higher speeds. The C Class will only do that at up to 40 I think - great in traffic jam. Above that it'll give you some limited time but then warn you to take hold of the wheel.
Another aspect to consider is that MB turns off the speed limit recognition capability in various markets (i.e. where the car camera observes speed and other traffic signs) e.g. Australia, and I thought that the US was in that lot as well.
Haven't seen a straight C Class vs. Tesla side by side comparison, but from the YouTube videos that I've seen there seems very little difference in what it's capable of.
Latest videos I've seen the Model S seems to self-steer without you holding on to the steering wheel at higher speeds. The C Class will only do that at up to 40 I think - great in traffic jam. Above that it'll give you some limited time but then warn you to take hold of the wheel.
Another aspect to consider is that MB turns off the speed limit recognition capability in various markets (i.e. where the car camera observes speed and other traffic signs) e.g. Australia, and I thought that the US was in that lot as well.
Not correct the C class self steers at any speed at which the distronic system operates. However, as in other systems, there is a limit to how much torque the system applies. The Tesla system is nothing new, at all. Tesla, like apple, is a personality cult. BTW despite the constantly glowing tests by consumer reports, they just removed their recommendation since the car is a reliability nightmare of replaced motors, doors that don't open and endless electrical electrical component faults.
You cant cheat physics. A tank of gas contains 8 times the amount of energy that Tesla's biggest battery, furthermore, you can "recharge" in 5 minutes anywhere in the world.
Battery cars are a great idea that is always ten years in the future. I love it when they brag about such stupidity as "ludicrous" mode the fact is that after three launches to top speed in ludicrous mode the car goes into limp mode because the system overheats and your range is depleted by 50%.
Not correct the C class self steers at any speed at which the distronic system operates.
What's not correct? The steering assist is cancelled if you are over 36 mph and don't hold onto the wheel for longer than a few seconds ...... that is unless you do the Romanian Autopilot trick
The cars are already capable of autonomous drive, but I read some article recently where they said that the main thing holding things back is detailed 3D mapping and legislation. Each year it's certainly getting closer.
I always forget we'll have to take into account various international markets! In the US, the C300 has indeed no speed limitation for steering assist. It steers automatically at just about any speed. It is wickedly cool, takes the whole tension out of driving, and I can take care of all my laptop browsing (ok, that part joking, only sometimes
The article you referenced is revealing ... Tesla is quite good at publicity and hype and media is buying into it. It might be there is one difference, Tesla can change lanes too, I will try that on my C300 tomorrow!
In the meantime for your viewing pleasure, the too pretty to park .... C300
... surely not - the following is straight out of a US Operator Manual:
.. and ..
Below 37mph it follows the car ahead using radar. At high speeds it follows the lane even as the lane curves (to a limit) using using the cameras to follow the center line. In both instances the car steers autonomously. My Acura MDX does exactly the same thing but is a little less polished at it, however, it cant do the slow speed follow trick. Note, the following trick has noticeable limits too. In the real world of cars accelerating quickly from a stop and weaving in and out make the usefulness of the system limited. Ive been using it for a year so Im well versed on it.
Below 37mph it follows the car ahead using radar. At high speeds it follows the lane even as the lane curves (to a limit) using using the cameras to follow the center line. In both instances the car steers autonomously.
Yes, I realize this - mine is exactly the same... but the question I have for you would be "Can you let go of your steering wheel indefinitely whilst above 37mph - and the system stays engaged without further warnings?"
If I let go of the wheel, the system will show a warning soon after, and if you ignore that then the steering assist will disengage - just like what the manual says. It would be very surprising if US cars don't follow that same logic.
Yes, I realize this - mine is exactly the same... but the question I have for you would be "Can you let go of your steering wheel indefinitely whilst above 37mph - and the system stays engaged without further warnings?"
If I let go of the wheel, the system will show a warning soon after, and if you ignore that then the steering assist will disengage - just like what the manual says. It would be very surprising if US cars don't follow that same logic.
No, at any speed you can only let go for 10 seconds or so. BTW you quickly learn not to "trust" it since conditions have to be almost perfect for it to function, if you are not paying close attention you can end in the curb, no problem.
You don't need to have your hand/hands on the wheel the entire time; you just need to provide an input to the steering wheel every once in awhile like moving the wheel slightly. It's meant to make sure someone is at the wheel and I believe it's mandate by Federal regulation that it will not be activated forever without inputs from the wheel.
The only differences I see between Tesla's implementation of this upgraded radar cruise control are:
The Tesla can change lanes on it's own when you press the signal stalk.
The Tesla currently doesn't need any hands on the wheel at any time. However, this is temporary I believe due to legislation the final implementation will require hands on the wheel.
Next to that I doubt that the Tesla lane changing function takes speed difference in account. A huge problem when in Germany or the 130 Km/h (80 mph) parts over here in the Netherlands.
Last edited by hummerhealey; Oct 22, 2015 at 03:22 PM.
That's awesome! Wonder if the driver was in the back seat enjoying a small slice of space cake.
More than likely the lawyers are rubbing their hands together with glee already at the concept of self-driving cars. Rumor has it that VW is delaying their system until 2097
pretty sure I didn't get this feature, but not sure I would ever be able to trust it.
Also, let me get this straight. If the system doesn't think you are paying enough attention, it just shuts off and lets you crash/die?
That's a bit extreme, no...
You'll need to have the full driver assistance+ package (with DISTRONIC PLUS inc. steering assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian recognition, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, BAS PLUS with cross-traffic assist, active blind spot assist and active lane keeping assist) to get all that, and ... to answer your question:
YES , although Extreme -No.
Anyone stupid enough to think that 'Driver Assistance functions = Autonomous Driving' ,
will crash & die. Well actually we're all going to die, but that's a technicality.
pretty sure I didn't get this feature, but not sure I would ever be able to trust it.
Also, let me get this straight. If the system doesn't think you are paying enough attention, it just shuts off and lets you crash/die?
That's a bit extreme, no...
It does warn you with sounds and graphics before turning off steering assist. I don't think Distronics would turn off without steering inputs, others could confirm this.
pretty sure I didn't get this feature, but not sure I would ever be able to trust it.
Also, let me get this straight. If the system doesn't think you are paying enough attention, it just shuts off and lets you crash/die?
That's a bit extreme, no...
And you would be very smart indeed. Though mercedes will not change lanes for you, it will actively move you back into your lane if you try to change lanes into another vehicle, it does so by differential braking not be altering steering inputs. If anyone is interested on the Tesla system they should be aware MB is presently submitting to the DOT a completely driverless semi truck system. Hopefully it wont be around for a looong time since we are all aware that its not only the limits of technology that are a problem, the big problem is all the "illogical" human drivers around it.
MB is presently submitting to the DOT a completely driverless semi truck system. Hopefully it wont be around for a looong time
Is this in the US? I'd heard of it in Germany and even there it wasn't for a driverless truck - an operator still needs to be on-board.
Anyway, one look truck crash compilations on YouTube makes you re-think whether a tired and possibly drugged out human is any better than a computer at driving a semi.
It does warn you with sounds and graphics before turning off steering assist. I don't think Distronics would turn off without steering inputs, others could confirm this.
Yes and no. The steering part will not steer even when on if there is glare the road lines are bad etc. The system is "on" but its not steering for you, the steering light goes from green to white. At that time it will drive off the road if you are not actively steering. The only thing that irritates me is the constant keep your hands on the wheel reminders when driving on long straight highways. To keep the reminders at bay you have to move the steering wheel a little bit so it knows your hands are on the steering wheel.
Is this in the US? I'd heard of it in Germany and even there it wasn't for a driverless truck - an operator still needs to be on-board.
Anyway, one look truck crash compilations on YouTube makes you re-think whether a tired and possibly drugged out human is any better than a computer at driving a semi.
Its in the US. There has to be a human, compare it to a modern airliner autopilot. The humans are there to make sure everything is working correctly 99% of the time.
Not correct the C class self steers at any speed at which the distronic system operates. However, as in other systems, there is a limit to how much torque the system applies. The Tesla system is nothing new, at all. Tesla, like apple, is a personality cult. BTW despite the constantly glowing tests by consumer reports, they just removed their recommendation since the car is a reliability nightmare of replaced motors, doors that don't open and endless electrical electrical component faults.
You cant cheat physics. A tank of gas contains 8 times the amount of energy that Tesla's biggest battery, furthermore, you can "recharge" in 5 minutes anywhere in the world.
Battery cars are a great idea that is always ten years in the future. I love it when they brag about such stupidity as "ludicrous" mode the fact is that after three launches to top speed in ludicrous mode the car goes into limp mode because the system overheats and your range is depleted by 50%.
This is the best summary I've read over why electric cars still don't replace high performance petrol engines in my mind. The technology is too immature, but it is always lagging. Never understood the fanaticism, I've grown up and am growing up with gasoline engines and to me the culture that goes along with it is equally as important. If, by the time I'm in my 40s or 50s and all cars are electric, I don't know what I will do. The longevity of their systems also worries me, unlike an engine, battery banks can't be rebuilt without being replaced and the whole drive train will probably be shot any decently long period into the future. I'm sure there's a retort as to why this is untrue and blah blah blah but they won't become anything collectible or classic. Makes me wonder about the longevity of the LaFerrari/P1/918 a bit too with hybrid drive trains. At least theirs are not entirely dependent on a giant battery bank.
Last edited by AMGAffalterbach; Oct 24, 2015 at 01:50 AM.
One thing I dont' think the mercedes system will do but the TESLA implementation will do is automate the passing maneuver around a car in front of you. Personally, I don't think I would ever want this automated for me, but it's a notable difference.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
