How do different brand's driver assistance systems compare?
Discussion
I've been looking at getting an audi Q4 and buried deep in the options is "Audi adaptive cruise Assist" which is billed as:
"As part of the automaker’s changes to its 2021 model lineup, Audi is making its Level 2 “Adaptive Cruise Assist” technology more widely available. It gives vehicles the ability to maintain the proper speed, lane position and following distance on limited-access roads like freeways and Interstates, all with minimal driver intervention."
I really like the sound of this having used adaptive cruse control a lot when I had my S3. Having to touch the wheel now and again seems good for long shleps.
ObviouslyTesla are in front with this technology, but i'm more interested in how the more traditional brand's systems stack up, particularly BMW, Merc, Volvo etc. Any experience with "level 2" autonomous tech?
"As part of the automaker’s changes to its 2021 model lineup, Audi is making its Level 2 “Adaptive Cruise Assist” technology more widely available. It gives vehicles the ability to maintain the proper speed, lane position and following distance on limited-access roads like freeways and Interstates, all with minimal driver intervention."
I really like the sound of this having used adaptive cruse control a lot when I had my S3. Having to touch the wheel now and again seems good for long shleps.
ObviouslyTesla are in front with this technology, but i'm more interested in how the more traditional brand's systems stack up, particularly BMW, Merc, Volvo etc. Any experience with "level 2" autonomous tech?
A little job me and my team put together last year… https://www.euroncap.com/en/vehicle-safety/safety-...
foggy said:
A little job me and my team put together last year… https://www.euroncap.com/en/vehicle-safety/safety-...
Interesting, thanks. Surprised that Tesla weren't out in front given all the press their system receives. caymanbill said:
Interesting, thanks. Surprised that Tesla weren't out in front given all the press their system receives.
No problem! Best thing is to try a few then you’ll get a feel for how they all differ, especially the steering feel and authoritativeness. Basic ACC is much of a muchness, some of the intelligent features (e.g. speed adaption for limit changes road features) can be quite useful where executed well, and equally infuriating where done poorly!caymanbill said:
foggy said:
A little job me and my team put together last year… https://www.euroncap.com/en/vehicle-safety/safety-...
Interesting, thanks. Surprised that Tesla weren't out in front given all the press their system receives. In a few years everything will need auto braking etc to meet regulations.
Even the Level 2 stuff the OP talks about is nothing special these days. All just marketing fluff.
gazza285 said:
Does my head in, overtaking a few cars, only for the foremost car to pull over and have the second speed up.
My cruise isn’t adaptive, and other people’s inability to maintain a constant speed doesn’t half get on my tits.
I was driving our Golf the other day on the motorway (which is unusual as our Mondeo is my "daily" and normal motorway car of choice) and so used the ACC on it in "light" traffic for probably the first time. My cruise isn’t adaptive, and other people’s inability to maintain a constant speed doesn’t half get on my tits.
Where in the Mondeo with "normal" cruise control I would see a car ahead that I was closing on, plan to overtake and then as I closed overtake I noticed that with the ACC in the same scenario it would instead slow down a few mph almost imperceivably and then because I wasn't "closing" and was too far away to actually move out I'd end up instead of doing a steady 70 doing 66, then speeding up as they moved out of the way.
I'd rather not just drop the distance (because if I _can't_ overtake I'd rather keep a sensible one) but it seems unless you are keeping quite a close eye on your actual speed it's very easy to fall into that trap. I actually found myself using the throttle far more than I'd "normally" do with a non-ACC "normal" cruise control to keep to the desired goal speed.
Now sure, with more "experience" of ACC, paying more attention to the speed rather than leave it on cruise this can easily be negated but I suspect knowing the driving standards of the general public they don't, hence why so many do it.
caymanbill said:
Interesting, thanks. Surprised that Tesla weren't out in front given all the press their system receives.
The difference is that Tesla and their fans push out hype and exaggerate the capabilities whilst not talking about the limitations, whereas other manufacturers quietly get on with building stuff that works consistently in the real world and not making owners perceive that their cars with adaptive cruise control can drive themselves. I've tried adaptive cruise with steering assist on MB, Volvo and VW cars. I prefer each of those 3 companies systems to Tesla's setup in terms of feeling more confident that the car is not going to randomly slam on the brakes at 70mph for no reason.
All adaptive cruises are not created equal
I had a Leon with ACC and it was a bit stupid,
Very dim whirred when pulling out of lane to overtake, then kicking down and you would just be jolted foward slow
To restart and no stop and go
I tried a new golf 8 today and it was so much smoother, quicker to react, reacted to speed signs and limits, could brake you down to a stop then move you off again, works on roundabout and what I found very cool, would cut the engine at lights and when the car in front moved off restart the engine even if you weren’t using cruise. Much smoother when over taking, would drop you down a few MPH to maintain distance without braking
A very very good system and takes a lot of boringness out of driving along with a very good lane assist system
I also have it in my transit but that’s a very dumb system too, takes a while to react and quite jerky
I had a Leon with ACC and it was a bit stupid,
Very dim whirred when pulling out of lane to overtake, then kicking down and you would just be jolted foward slow
To restart and no stop and go
I tried a new golf 8 today and it was so much smoother, quicker to react, reacted to speed signs and limits, could brake you down to a stop then move you off again, works on roundabout and what I found very cool, would cut the engine at lights and when the car in front moved off restart the engine even if you weren’t using cruise. Much smoother when over taking, would drop you down a few MPH to maintain distance without braking
A very very good system and takes a lot of boringness out of driving along with a very good lane assist system
I also have it in my transit but that’s a very dumb system too, takes a while to react and quite jerky
Edited by Nickbrapp on Tuesday 22 June 23:15
I’m not an ACCC fan.
My daily (Honda) has it and it is great in traffic because of the stop/go ability but on the open road I find having to preempt when it is going to start slowing and planning an overtake much earlier than normal a pain.
The best system I’ve used was on a Toyota Kluger where it could be switched between adaptive and normal.
Although I expect that will soon be disallowed as it means the driver has to pay attention to what they are doing and actually drive the car
My daily (Honda) has it and it is great in traffic because of the stop/go ability but on the open road I find having to preempt when it is going to start slowing and planning an overtake much earlier than normal a pain.
The best system I’ve used was on a Toyota Kluger where it could be switched between adaptive and normal.
Although I expect that will soon be disallowed as it means the driver has to pay attention to what they are doing and actually drive the car
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