It has got to now be a tough comparison for a Mercedes salesperson to have to explain to a purchaser that their car will actually disconnect its auto steering and crash if the driver removes their hands from the wheel - when right now, today, the buyer can purchase a car that will steer itself down the highway with no "nanny" and no suicidal "disconnect" in the event that the driver becomes incapacitated.
This true autopilot is the ultimate luxury feature - and I would think it might force the hand of manufacturers who have been pussyfooting around with handicapped self steering features - especially makers who define themselves as leading luxury brands.
Even the next generation E class to be released in 2016, which boasts of being the most technologically advanced MBZ ever in production - will still require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.
I do wonder if MBZ is rethinking their stance at all now.
It was easy enough to say that autopilot was vaporware - but it isn't now.
This true autopilot is the ultimate luxury feature - and I would think it might force the hand of manufacturers who have been pussyfooting around with handicapped self steering features - especially makers who define themselves as leading luxury brands.
Even the next generation E class to be released in 2016, which boasts of being the most technologically advanced MBZ ever in production - will still require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.
I do wonder if MBZ is rethinking their stance at all now.
It was easy enough to say that autopilot was vaporware - but it isn't now.
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