S4WRXTTCS
Well-Known Member
Luckily, I don't drive with an SAE engineer in the passenger seat, so SAE classifications do not apply to me. Cars perform as they perform. Naming them or spec'g them, or publishing brochures is not actually a function, it called marketing.
Are you 100% sure that keeping the driver in the correct position for airbag and crumple zones is a stupid idea? I'm not so sure. Somebody laying down in the back seat is going to get wadded up feet first against the windshield with at least broken legs as they slip under a harness with no submarine belt.
But, the SAE class is what transfers responsibility. Responsibility is the #1 thing that applies when driving. That you take responsibility for your actions while you drive.
What this car does is it allows you to transfer that responsibility to the car while in certain situations. Those situations are certainly limited, but I think those of us in congested areas would find it a must have after using it. In fact those that use it will likely crave for more as they'll be tired of having to take over when asked.
That's why it needs regulatory approval, and this comparison is likely going to be pointless in some countries as L3 won't be approved for a long time if ever in those areas. So a better comparison would be L2, but the Cadillac is so fundamentally different in one massive regard that if it works well it's the default winner. Texting is so massively dangerous that I like the idea of a car that makes sure the driver is really paying attention. Not just holding the steering wheel in one hand while texting in another completely trusting an L2 system.
As to being in the right position for a crash? With L3 systems and beyond the driver won't be. But, the reduction in crashes will so massively offset the added risk that it's worth it.