MB ahead of others in level 3 approvals.
How Mercedes-Benz beat Tesla to become 1st to offer level 3 autonomous personal car | ' A Driverless Tomorrow' - ABC7 San Francisco https://share.google/3fBFLmSK0L8zFkLuo

 

Hyundai’s actually works better than Distronic.

 

Hmmm today I learned, well, I remember hyundai "stole" some of the German designers back then maybe that was one reason?

 

Different systems.
Distronic is a fancy cruise control.
Active Steering Assist centers you in the lane.
(Unlike Active Lane Keeping Assist, which is designed to yank you back in the lane if you lose control.)

 

I'm talking about the same system. I have Distronic with active steering assist in my S580, had it in my S560 also. The Hyundai lane centering is superior.

 

I wish this is true, but unfortunately it is not. All Mbenz systems that are “actually available” now are not that great (when compared to Hyundai, BMW, Tesla or even the other hands-free systems by GM/Ford/Lincoln/etc).
I know that you are referring to Mbenz new system (which is not officially out yet, so don’t count on it).
BMW currently has highway assist as you said, but they also have an upgraded system officially out now that extends that to Very nice in-town capabilities on the iX3 (highly recommend that u see some videos), and it will be available form day-1 on most new models coming out this year like the 7.

Level 2 or level 3 actually doesn’t matter that much. All what matters is how “good” the system actually is. This is why you currently see SO MANY different varieties of level-2 drive assist systems, but some of them are much better than others. You can always decieve the regulations and just do what they require. What matters the most is whether the system is actually great or not. Perfect example is Tesla’s system now (not level 3 but I bet it will be better than most upcoming Level 3 systems, but just a personal guess). BMW’s hands-free is also flawless on highways and t it has level 2+ or 3 in germany but lower certification level in the US (although same hardware and system). The claimed level is useless for me as a driver.

Minor correction: You do not have to touch the wheel at all on highways in BMW Highway assist system starting from many 2023 models years. Drive Pilot that you referenced does not exist. I assume you are referring to the new Personal Pilot which was advertised in Germany as L3 on the 7. In all cases even that is outdated now; BMW has a newer system on the ix3 and upcoming models that is more focused on AI/ML and smooth driver engagement.

Hyundai system as an example, even the basic one, is phenomenal on the highway, and definitely better than what you can get today on Mbenz cars <2026 models. I am actually now in a Hyundai rental for a week. Am gonna switch to a Lucid for the next 3-4 days and then something else again for a week while on a vacation.

 

You have repeatedly complained about Active Lane Keeping Assist, so I thought you were again referring to ALK. I refuse to use it.
I don't know how ASA could be any better. It keeps me perfectly centered, on curves and in traffic. Automatic lane change as well.
Hyundai interiors smell cheap, so my test drives have been short.
How is the Hyundai system better?

 

All but the MB Drive Pilot are "available" on my 21.
The article I posted explains what/when/where about the MB systems. The article (and the Feds) disagree with you.
Perhaps you are confused by the MB menus.
Mine work fine.

 

You’ll actually have to test it yourself to tell. There is always room for improvement in these systems, and definitely the Mbenz system does not drive as good as others nowadays. The Hyundai system is more accurate against sharp turns. Mbenz system is more conservative. Hyundai system also allows you to do dynamic lane centering while you are still controlling the accelerator or brakes. In-town, Hyundai systems is much much better too. Mbenz system is fine, but it’s definitely behind Hyundai, BMW or the american manufacturers with blue-cruise and the like. Not something I can describe in words. You’ll need to take one on a road trip or rent it long enough to experience it and compare it to current Mbens system.

 

When have I complained about those systems? I think you have me confused with somebody else, they work fine the Hyundai system just works better. I keep ALK off but I do that in every car.

It holds centering through tighter curves than the MB system, and I like that it can be used independently of the radar cruise control. With MB the Distronic has to be on in order to use the lane centering, with Hyundai you can use it with or without the radar cruise.

 

Am not saying that yours is NOT fine. It is fine, I believe you. Am just saying that it is not the best. The other cars that you have not driven long enough, in my view, have a better system in the context of the cars that we are talking about.

What Mbenz car do you have with Mercedes Drive Pilot System and in what country, by the way?

 

Mercedes Drive Pilot has been available since 2023, but only CA & NV.
https://media.mbusa.com/releases/aut...20the%20future.
2026 -
Mercedes-Benz shifts autonomous driving tech in 2026 S-Class | WardsAuto https://share.google/EfDQAN6adLW95AJwv

 

Read my post that you quoted. To expand, I'm in the US.
My only complaint with Active Lane Keeping Assist is the approximately 1 second it takes to "calibrate." My 2019 GLC takes @3 seconds.

 

So you actually do not have it (or haven’t actually used it on highways)..that’s why I asked, cause if you had it then you’d have known it is useless and not relevant to the discussion of highway driving. The Personal Pilot that you are referring to is an old tech that is only limited to 40MPH highway traffic jam, and has the NV and CA limitation. My 2019 X7 and X5 had that same system since late 2018 and has no state limitations. it’s a traffic-jam system not a true highway assist system.

I was referring to the standard systems that you can actually use on highways at normal driving speeds. That’s the apple to apple comparison that I was referring to when I mentioned Hyundai, GM, Ford, Lincoln and BMW hands-free highway assist and how it compares to what you can get now on any <2026 Mbenz model year so far.

 

Do we still have a source for order guides here?

 

I have a 2021 with Driver's Assistance Package. It's far superior to a 2018 BMW any package.
In order by Bolded above -
I was referring to Drive Pilot, available since 2023.
Your 2018 BMW system isn't a Level Anything (not 2 or 3 or ++). It's inferior to my 2021 Package in just about every way, according to my several searches.
BMW Highway doesn't have the capability of my 2021 Route based navigation, which works at 85+ mph, but it drives AT THE SPEED LIMIT, so it doesn't fit my "9 over" habits.
My (again, 2021) Active Steering Assist is stellar and I can drive anywhere at any speed, although I do have to initiate lane changes with the turn signal (sigh). I think you're confused about terminology.
If you're going to spend the bucks it takes for a new luxury auto it might be worth getting up to speed about the offerings. I certainly would.

Even though MB has been leading that tech for over a decade, self driving is below the bottom of my list.

Regarding new MB models - I don't like the new look of the grille, interior, taillights and Starry Overkill. And I can't get the features I already have (AMG ARC & NAPA premium diamond stitch leather) or want (Burmester 3D) without going up a class and +$30-50k, so I'm just an Interested Observer at this point.

And none of the other SUV brands are as pretty as a 167 GLE, to my eyes.

 

We expect member @Eaton to post the DOGs as soon as they are available. He's good at that.

 

I've never had a BMW so I can't speak to that but I will say that while it works fine, I have found that MB's lane centering system falls behind that of many competitors today that I have driven. Toyota's is also superior and Toyotas allow totally handsfree driving in traffic situations at least. They sent an OTA update to my S Class that greatly reduced the number of interactions I have to have when sitting in traffic, but didn't reduce them to zero.

With that said, I recently had an Explorer rental with BlueCruise that I drove from Orlando to Miami (4 hours) and while that was amazing, zero interactions required and it can handle any curve etc, that tech doesn't really appeal to me. I found myself just sitting there with my hands in my lap and it yelled at me if I looked anywhere but dead ahead, even to the infotainment screen for more than a second, I found myself putting my hand on the wheel anyways making it not that different from my S Class. Until I can actually do something else while the car drives I don't see that feature as that big a deal

 

I have only one request for folks who have neither owned nor researched recent BMW products: don't speak for those of us who are current/past owners and know better!

Back in Summer 2023 when I was cross-shopping b/w the 2024 X7 and the 2023 GLS450 (which I eventually bought), the description of Highway Assistant was the same as it is today:

"Allows for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways. This features includes Active Lane Change, allowing you to confirm suggested lane changes with a glance at the side mirror. The driver must stay attentive and take over if needed."
https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/drive...-features.html

The ONLY reason BMW's version is still stuck at Level 2 is because they haven't relented on requiring checks of the driver's eyes (attentiveness) and coverage over the US is still growing. For Mercedes, the occasional tap of the steering wheel is required so not fully autonomous except for regions like CA.

 

I do not have a 2018 BMW (now). I had 2 BMW cars/SUVs that were 2019 model year that I got in late 2018 calendar year, both of which had the same exact traffic-jam like feature as your 2021. At normal highway speeds, lane keeping assist is better of course than your 2021 GLE/GLS or my current newer GLS.
Even then, for 2019 model years, you are still wrong because that Drive Assist Pro is actually Level 2, and they all had the traffic jam mode just like your 2021 (which does hands-free only below 40). My currently GLS, which is newer than your 2021, also has the same traffic jam system. Nothing huge, just some fine/acceptable lane keeping assist and traffic jam below 40 MPH.

My currently BMW with the Highway Assist is a new one (it is not a 2019 or 2018 as u assumed), and I had couple other newer ones that have the Highway Assist too. Highway Assist works fine up to 85MPH or so, full hands-free, zero interaction and auto lane changes too with just a look at the mirror. Your search results are fine and I’ll respect that, but they are useless and wrong so you are confusing things. Search more about BMW’s 2023-2026 Highway Assist.. I do have the first hand experience with these systems as well as YOUR 2021 drive assist since I have a newer GLS than your GLE anyway but with the same system/hardware/software. Highway Assist is far superior, and also other hands-free systems by others are far more superior than what you can get now in a GLE or GLS.

I can tell that you have not tested any of these new/modern drive assist systems by others brands from your write up. Your 2021 is “fine” but not the best. It’s just that simple and am not sure why you want to debate it when you haven’t tested other cars long enough. I own both systems (X167 GLS with the same system as your 2021 and the new bmw highway assist system on 2023-2026 model years now, and also have a total of 3-4 months of rental time in the past ~24 months in many other brands that I referenced). Try to rent a Hyundai with the Calligraphy Trim to get HDA2 system and u will see how good it does lane keeping assist compared to your 2021. This is the closest to GM/BMW/FORD true hands-free highway assist system with true zero interactions.

 

I think this tech getting a bit silly. Just call an Uber if you don't want to actually drive your car! But, that's just me.

That said - I like a subtle lane keeping assist in heavy crosswinds in my Ford. Granted, it's a shoebox that acts like a big ole' sail in the wind, but the "tech" is very subtle in that it'll pull the car back via the brakes on the opposite side.

I had a BMW X3 as a loaner from my local MB dealership a couple of years ago while the seat cover was being replaced. I didn't know the lane keeping was turned on in the BMW. I was following a box truck at 60mph on a 3 lane major roadway (Rte. 50 for those here in the DC area). We were in the center lane, I couldn't see around him. He veered to the left lane, exposing a stalled box truck about 100 feet from me. I tried to veer to the right to avoid it, and that G'Damn car fought me to do it. It absolutely did not want to change lanes. I quickly realized what it was doing and hit the blinker, it stopped, but I missed that truck by maybe 10 feet. Moment I got home, went to my neighbors who have one too and asked how in the hell do you turn that feature off. My point - I will NEVER own something that does that.

 

Do you have active lane assist on your GLS? I love that for a road trip. You're still doing th driving but its doing a lot of the work keeping you centered in the lane and it really reduced the fatigue of driving on a long trip.

This is why I dont like lane KEEP assist. Different from lane centering.

 

You are wrong about so many things in your post.

There is no such thing as "zero interactions" on the systems you mentioned.

Drive Assist Pro became available in 2026. Not available on my 2021 OR your GLS.
My systems all work above 40mph. All of them.

The BMW Highway Assist stops at 85, is less effective than MB Route based navigation. It's not point to point either.
Highway Assist only became available in '23. It wasn't available on your 2019.
Mercedes Drive Pilot is not available or in use, other than CA & NV. And only since 2024 in the US.

If you keep using Mercedes Active Lane Keeping Assist, you will be disappointed, since it's not designed for Lane centering. It's designed to yank you back in your lane if you drop your phone.
Try Active Steering Assist for Lane Centering. That's what it does. If yours doesn't work, your cameras likely need recalibrating. Mine is stellar.

The HDA2 is essentially a MB Route Based Navigation with eye monitoring, and still requires that interaction. So does the "GM/BMW/FORD true hands-free highway assist system with true zero interactions," because the "interactions" are eye movement monitoring, just like others such as the S Class. "Interaction" is required by the Feds unless Level 3. Period.

Regarding my evaluation of BMW's Highway thingy, I perused BMW forums. They have the experience I related. They don't like it much. Ping pong is mentioned often. You are a loyal supporter. Confirmation bias?

I don't use any of those systems except on open roads, since I do something none of those systems can do - I watch other car movements and drivers' hands and heads, providing anticipation of lane changes, confusion or erratic behavior. I watch my mirrors for overtaking drivers.

I might use it more if my car had eye monitoring so I don't have to grasp the wheel, but still not around other drivers who can be unpredictable.

I am responsible for my car. Recent court decisions take that "responsibility" burden off of Level 2 and 3 car manufacturers. They can tout their marvelous systems as sales pitches to the masses without consequence.

These aren't miracle systems. Thank goodness they haven't incorporated AI. Yet.😎🤕

 

I honestly stopped reading after this sentence as I realized am replying to someone who is comparing apples to oranges, but will give this part one last try. Am not sure how may times do I need to remind you that highway assist was not in my 2019 but I have it on my newer BMWs. And no you are wrong: Highway assist is not comparable to MB Route Based Navigation. You don’t seem to even understand what u r referring to.

As for no interaction this is mean in a way that there is no need for “physical hand/steering interaction and correction” whatsoever while highway assist is active, unlike any system on any mbenz sold today. I can drive 3 hours without interacting (meaning physically touching or correcting) the steering even once as long as my eyes are paying enough attention to the road. So i stand by my words that there is zero interaction in the physical sense. If you consider “looking at road” as interaction then u r just poking around non-sense definitions on “interaction” and playing a silly “words” meaning game. This same highway assist with hands-free feature at real highway speeds is IMPOSSIBLE with my GLS, your 2021 GLE, or with any other mbenz (there is no hands free highway with such capability that u can get today at up to 85mph from mbenz). Period. No need to read forums, hear your opinion or so, I actually own cars with these systems from both Mbenz and BMW. Zero ping pong with highway assist, and if u read the opposite somewhere then either you or whoever wrote it is confused about what package they have. Highway assist is an optional package and only few bmws have it, not all models.

for Mercedes Drive pilot, I suggest that you stop reading 2023 or 2024 marketing articles. Read the current MBUSA website and the official brochures. Mbenz does not have any true highway hands-off drive assist system in the US that is also above 40 mp/h. What is your understanding of the Drive Pilot system actually? Did you assume it works at real highway speeds like 70-85mph range? Assuming that you know it is not certified to do hands-free at those speeds, then why is it even relevant to the discussion of other modern systems that can do so?.
​​​
When you haven’t owned or driven any of these systems long enough, I get that one can get super confused. Reading an article or old marketing material isn’t enough though can be helpful with proper comprehension.

 

@S_W222 You finally read my posts with some sort of comprehension. And you now see that you've been mis-stating features.
Thank you for accepting my corrections.
Now shop for your car with better understanding of their features.