Drive In Style! The Best Cars With Self-Driving Features
Recent advancements in self-driving technology have paved the way for autonomous vehicles. While none of the cars sold today are completely autonomous, many automakers began offering semi-autonomous systems for their vehicles.
Such systems allow the vehicles to drive themselves. However, the drivers are still responsible for monitoring and being able to take control and override the system if required. From powerful electric sports cars to affordable compact SUVs, these are the cars with the most advanced self-driving features and sophisticated driving assists.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The Mercedes Benz EQE and its bigger sibling, the EQE SUV, are both some of the most innovative cars developed by the German automaker in recent years. The EQE SUV is set to hit the market for the 2024 model year as the first production car equipped with a Level 3 autonomous self-driving system.
That's right; this upcoming Mercedes will have advanced driving assists that are more sophisticated than the Tesla Autopilot. The release of this vehicle will make Mercedes-Benz the first automaker in the world to offer level 3 semi-autonomous driving systems.
Tesla Model S
Tesla cars dominate the electric car market in the United States, and it is easy to see why. These stylish cars offer a powerful and efficient drivetrain as well as an array of high-tech features. An advanced self-driving Autopilot system is one of them.
Tesla's Autopilot system uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and advanced software to enable features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic lane changing. What sets the Autopilot system apart is its continuous improvement through over-the-air updates, allowing the Model S to evolve and enhance its autonomous capabilities over time.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is a gorgeous electric sedan that was first unveiled in 2019. It debuted as the first electric vehicle to launch under the Porsche marque. The Taycan is available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive drivetrains.
Inside, the Taycan features a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This Porsche is also available with a variety of driver assistance technologies, including one of the best self-driving systems available on the market. Unlike Tesla's Autopilot, Porsche's self-driving system relies mostly on radar as opposed to cameras.
Infiniti QX50
The QX50 is an upscale compact crossover sold by Infiniti, a luxury subdivision of Nissan. The Japanese automaker recently unveiled the second generation of the car, which debuted for the 2019 model year.
One of the coolest features that can be found on the latest QX50 is its advanced driver assist system called the ProPilot Assist, which is available as a standard. This sophisticated system combines lane-keeping assists and adaptive cruise control, allowing the vehicle to travel on the highway with no human input. This system is a Level 2 Autonomous, meaning it still requires full attention from the driver.
Lucid Air
The Lucid Air may be about to take the world by storm, and it's pretty easy to see why. Not only is this fully electric car simply gorgeous, but it is also ridiculously quick and rather luxurious. It's also the quickest-charging EV on the market and the longest-range luxury EV in the world. In its most powerful version, the Air makes over 1200 horsepower!
Every Lucid Air comes equipped with various semi-autonomous driving assists as standard. These include Highway Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, both of which are parts of the DreamDrive system. Buyers have the option to upgrade to the DreamDrive Pro, which will also include conditional hands-free driving.
BMW 7 Series
The 7-Series has been a synonym for luxury ever since the model's initial release all the way back in the late 1970s. The flagship sedan has rivaled the Mercedes Benz S Class ever since.
The latest 7-Series combines performance with advanced technology and a wide range of comfort features. The latest models feature an impressive selection of engines, delivering an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency depending on the variant. Moreover, the car comes equipped with a hands-free driving mode developed to compete with the Mercedes Drive Pilot.
Rivian R1S
Without a doubt, the Rivian R1S is one of the sleekest vehicles that money can buy. This clever EV offers a combination of beautiful design, plenty of power, as well as practicality. The power output ranges between 402 and 835 horses, depending on the trim level.
Like most competitors, the R1S comes equipped with Level 2 Autonomous self-driving features. This means that while the vehicle can assist the driver, full attention is required from the driver to take control of the car in case of an emergency.
Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator is the epitome of luxury SUVs. The American automaker first introduced it in the late 90s, and the flagship car has remained a vital element of the Lincoln lineup ever since.
The latest fourth generation of the car hit the market for the 2018 model year. Like any proper luxury vehicle, the Navigator comes equipped with plenty of high-tech safety features and driver assists. These include the Active Glide, a Level 2 Autonomous self-driving system. It lets buyers drive hands-free on certain pre-mapped highways around the country.
Nissan Ariya
This futuristic-looking SUV is one of the latest additions to Nissan's lineup. In fact, the Japanese automaker has only been offering this model since the 2023 model year. This fully electric crossover has surprisingly quick acceleration, plenty of upscale technology, and an attractive sticker price.
One of the key selling points of this new Nissan EV is the ProPilot Assist 2.0, the automaker's answer to driving assists such as the Mercedes Benz Drive Pilot or the Tesla Autopilot. Nissan's self-driving feature allows hands-free highway driving. It's standard on the Ariya's Empower+ and higher trims.
Audi A8
The Audi A8 was first revealed back in 1994. It was the German automaker's answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series, serving as the brand's top-of-the-line luxury sedan.
The A8 is offered in a variety of different trim levels with a range of engines and a choice of long and short wheelbase variations. Safety features on the A8 include advanced airbag systems, anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, among others. The latest Audi A8 also comes with a self-driving system rated as a Level 2 autonomous driving.
Tesla Model X
Tesla launched its first-ever production SUV, the Model X, back in 2015. It climbed as the seventh best-selling plug-in car in the world the following year.
Buyers continue flocking to the ingenious Model X for plenty of different reasons. One of the key selling points is all the high-tech features and systems the cars are equipped with, such as the autonomous Autopilot mode.
Genesis G90
Hyundai is well on its way to becoming a serious player in the luxury car market, thanks to its Genesis subdivision and particularly the G90 sedan. This luxurious full-size sedan was developed to be a more cost-efficient alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S Class or the BMW 7 Series.
Although the G90 that's currently on the market is already equipped with level 2 autonomous driving assists, the automaker was spotted testing a level 3 system earlier this year. The upcoming G90 will receive a level 3 autonomous self-driving assist that will rely on a LiDAR system mounted on the front grille.
BMW X5 M
The BMW X5M was first introduced in the late 2000s alongside other high-performance SUVs. It combines the comfort of a BMW SUV with the performance of a proper BMW M car.
Under the hood of this beast is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine rated at an astonishing 600 horsepower. It also comes with all the cool features you'll find in other modern BMWs, including the optional Driving Assist Pro Package.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The iconic S-Class has been paving the way for luxury sedans ever since its initial 1972 premiere. The latest, seventh generation of the car premiered back in mid-2020.
Naturally, Mercedes-Benz had to outplay the competition once again. When fully equipped, the latest S-Class comes with all sorts of tech-savvy gadgets and luxury features. These include the all-new second-generation MBUX infotainment system, rear-axle steering to improve agility, as well as a head-up display with augmented reality for driving directions. One of the car's coolest features, however, is its Level 3 autonomous Drive Pilot system.
Nissan Rogue
The all-new third generation of the Rogue, Nissan's flagship SUV, hit the market for the 2021 model year. The latest generation received a much-needed visual makeover and a more efficient and smaller engine than its predecessors. Then, in 2022, the Rogue received further upgrades in terms of the drivetrain.
Inside, the latest Rogue comes equipped with the optional ProPilot Assist 2.0. This is the same self-driving system that's available on the new Nissan Ariya, allowing for hands-free driving on highways.
Volvo V90
Who wouldn't want a gorgeous station wagon that's both practical and upscale? That's exactly what Volvo offers with the V90, a beautiful luxury wagon that's been on the market since the 2017 model year.
Aside from its excellent safety ratings, the latest Volvo cars are also renowned for their advanced driving assists. The "Pilot Assist" feature is a semi-autonomous driving system that can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds up to 80 mph on the highway.
Audi A7
The A7 is, alongside the lavish A8, one of the most luxurious vehicles offered by the German automaker. The car made its North American debut in 2018 for the following model year. Aggressive yet subtle design, impressive performance, and a smooth ride all draw in potential buyers.
The new A7 also comes equipped with Audi's "Traffic Jam Assist" feature. This is only available for the automaker's top-of-the-line models- including the A8, A7, and A6. When engaged, the Traffic Jam Assist is able to control the vehicle in heavy traffic with no input required from the driver.
Audi RS e-Tron GT
Without a doubt, the Audi RS e-tron GT is one of the hottest EVs on the market right now. This gorgeous grand tourer shares the same platform as the previously mentioned Porsche Taycan, and it is just as beautiful as its Zuffenhausen sibling.
The E-tron GT can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in under 3.5 seconds thanks to its 590-horsepower drivetrain. It also has an impressive range of 280 miles on a single charge, as well as a ton of impressive tech features. Among them is one of the most advanced driving assist systems on the market.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a seven-seat luxury mid-size SUV produced by a Swedish manufacturer since 2002. The XC90 was Volvo’s top-selling vehicle in the United States and its best-selling model worldwide in 2020. It remains one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market today.
The latest, second generation of the XC90 hit the market for the 2016 model year. The car is renowned for its excellent safety ratings to the point where many buyers seem to overlook some of the car's other cool features. Among them is the advanced driver-assistance systems. It's important to note that the second-gen XC90 does not have fully autonomous self-driving capabilities.
Cadillac CT6
The Cadillac CT6 is a full-size luxury sedan that was first introduced for the 2016 model year as a replacement for the Cadillac XTS. The CT6 is available in a variety of trims and engine options, including turbocharged 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and V8 engines.
This was one of the first GM cars to feature the "Super Cruise" system, which is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) offering hands-free driving capabilities, launched for the 2018 model year. The Super Cruise system combines adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and a driver attention monitoring system to allow for limited hands-free driving on some highways.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 joined Tesla's lineup back in 2017. This sleek sedan has a range of up to 358 miles on a single charge with the Long Range option.
One of the most impressive features of the Model 3 is its autonomous Autopilot mode. Tesla's Autopilot is known for being one of the most advanced self-driving systems available on the market. Its ability to receive over-the-air software updates means it will only get better over time.
BMW iX
The BMW iX is one of the latest additions to the automaker's rapidly-growing range of fully electric vehicles. The iX is a fully-electric midsize SUV that's similar in size to the X5. One of the most striking features of the new iX is its futuristic design, both inside and out.
Inside, the iX boasts a lavish interior packed with gadgets that tech-savvy buyers are bound to fall in love with. Among them is an advanced Driver Assistance System- capable of level 3 self-driving.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric hatchback that has been on the market since 2010. It is one of the world's best-selling electric cars and was the first mass-produced modern electric car.
The Leaf offers a range of up to 226 miles on a single charge and a maximum speed of up to 93 mph. Inside, the Leaf features a high-tech instrument panel and advanced Nissan technologies such as ProPilot Assist. This driving assist system combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to help drivers maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead while staying centered in their lane.
Hyundai Nexo
This is easily one of the most innovative automobiles released in the last few years. That's because the Hyundai Nexo is an FCEV powered by a unique hydrogen fuel cell electric drivetrain. At the time of its release, it was the only FCEV available in the US.
Aside from its cool powerplant, the Nexo boasts other innovative features. These include some advanced driving assist systems, though none of them come close to the car's clever parking system. The Hyundai Nexo has an advanced autonomous parking system that allows the vehicle to park itself without any input from the driver!
Jaguar I Pace
The Jaguar I-PACE is a powerful, fully electric luxury SUV that offers up to 295 miles of range on a single charge and an impressive 400-horsepower electric motor. The rapid charger lets you recharge up to 80% in just 40 minutes. The vehicle also features an advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring for improved handling.
Some of the ADAS features available in the Jaguar I-PACE include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and more. Combined, these technologies offer some of the most advanced self-driving systems on the market.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is a compact crossover SUV designed and manufactured by Tesla. It was unveiled back in early 2019. It shares 75% of its parts with the previously mentioned Model 3.
The Model Y is powered by either a single or dual-motor powertrain depending on the variant. Buyers can also pick between Long Range, Dual Motor, and Performance versions. All units are offered with the self-driving Autopilot feature as standard, rated as autonomous level 2.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a quirky electric subcompact that was first introduced around a decade ago. It has since become one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market. Buyers are drawn in by its modern design, sporty performance, and emissions-free driving.
The i3 is also known for its connectivity and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is a luxury all-electric SUV that debuted in 2019 as part of the brand's electric mobility-focused EQ lineup. Powered by a dual-motor electric powerplant mated to an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, the EQC delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds.
The EQC is equipped with features such as adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and highway& traffic jam assist for semi-autonomous driving. The EQC is even offered with a concierge service to top off all the luxurious features!
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The new Mustang Mach-E has got to be one of the most polarizing modern vehicles. While there is no denying that the Mach-E is solid as an electric crossover SUV, many petrolheads argue whether it was necessary for Ford to call it a Mustang since it has little in common with the sporty pony car.
Ford's first fully electric SUV offers an exciting array of driver assistance features, such as automated parallel and perpendicular parking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, all under the Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 suite.
Lexus LS
Lexus, a subsidiary of Toyota, first introduced the LS in the late 1980s for the 1990 model year. The automaker developed this classy V8-powered sedan to be the most luxurious vehicle in the history of the manufacturer. Over three decades later, the LS remains the top-of-the-line Lexus sedan.
The latest fifth-generation LS comes equipped with all the features buyers can expect from a luxury sedan. These include advanced driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and driving convenience. Features such as a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist are all part of the Lexus Safety System+.
Acura RLX
The Acura RLX is a full-size sedan that offers the feel of an upscale vehicle at a fraction of the price. Under the hood is a powerful 3.5L V6 motor that produces 310 horsepower, mated to an all-wheel-drive drivetrain that offers traction in all weather conditions.
Inside, the RLX is designed with comfort and luxury in mind, with plenty of standard features like dual touchscreen infotainment displays, leather upholstery, or active noise cancellation. Some of the advanced driving systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic jam assist for stop-and-go traffic.
Cadillac Escalade
General Motors has introduced its very own advanced driving assist system for the latest Escalade. What's more, the automaker claims that this was the first real hands-free system for semi-autonomous highway driving to be fitted on any production car.
GM's Cadillac brand offers a self-driving feature called "Super Cruise." This hands-free, semi-autonomous driving system is available on some Cadillac models, such as the Cadillac CT6 and Cadillac Escalade.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric, battery-powered pickup truck that looks like something taken straight out of a sci-fi movie. It was unveiled in late 2019; the first deliveries are expected to take place before the end of the year.
The truck's design features a body shell made of stainless steel, a nearly flat cargo bed, windows made of Tesla "Armor Glass," adaptive air suspension, and an array of high-tech safety features and driver assists. Among them is the Tesla Autopilot self-driving system.
Toyota Mirai
This quirky vehicle is criminally underrated, despite its innovative approach to utilizing a hydrogen-powered drivetrain. The Toyota Mirai was introduced back in 2014 as the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The Mirai has a range of up to 400 miles on a single fill-up of hydrogen fuel, and can be refueled in as little as five minutes. It produces zero emissions and is powered by an electric motor.
The Toyota Mirai also comes with advanced driving assists to match its futuristic design and drivetrain. The ADAS features, such as a pre-collision system, lane departure alerts, and dynamic radar cruise control, are all parts of the Toyota Safety Sense suite.
Volkswagen ID.4
This practical EV debuted in 2020 as Volkswagen's first-ever fully electric crossover SUV. Its efficient dual-motor electric drivetrain can travel up to 310 miles on a single charge. Buyers can opt for the optional 11kW onboard charger, too.
EV buyers expect access to the latest tech and safety features, including advanced driving assists. The ID.4 has a range of active and passive safety features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and park assist. Owners also get access to the We-Connect app for remote control of the car functions and access to the Volkswagen Car-Net app store.
Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevy Bolt is a practical little subcompact that hit the market back in 2016. Its all-electric drivetrain has an estimated range of up to 259 miles on a single charge. It has a compact size but still offers plenty of room inside for passengers and cargo.
The Bolt EV also comes with a host of safety features; these include semi-autonomous driving assists rated at level 2, meaning they still require full attention from the driver to operate. Some of the features found in the latest Bolt EV include forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning.
Rivian R1T
This futuristic EV is the pickup truck variant of the R1S, an SUV produced by American automaker Rivian. The truck rose to fame thanks to its unique design and the use of cutting-edge technology. In its most powerful configuration, the R1T peaks at 835 horsepower!
Just like its SUV counterpart, the Rivian R1T comes equipped with plenty of features that will impress even the most tech-savvy buyers. These include Level 2 autonomous self-driving assists, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Tesla Roadster
The upcoming Roadster is easily one of the most anticipated vehicles right now. This exciting sports car features a fully electric drive train with a range of up to 620 miles on a single charge. Tesla promises a 0-60 sprint in under 2 seconds and a top speed of over 250mph.
Like any other Tesla, the upcoming Roadster will come with all of the high-tech systems the automaker is known for. This includes the autonomous Autopilot mode, which is expected to be available as standard.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, America's best-selling truck. The Blue Oval developed advanced driving assists for the truck in order for it to properly compete with other EVs available on the market.
Some of its self-driving features include Ford's Co-Pilot360 2.0, which is a suite of driver-assist technologies encompassing features like adaptive cruise control. The previously mentioned BlueCruise system, which operates on certain mapped highways by combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, is available too. The F150 Lightning also received Active Park Assist 2.0, a sophisticated system that assists the driver with parking.
Waymo
Although Waymo does not theoretically offer any production cars, their outstanding work is certainly worth mentioning when it comes to autonomous vehicles. This Google-owned tech company is focused on developing fully autonomous vehicles that are going to be used for ride-hailing services and other mobility solutions.
Waymo cars are already deployed in cities throughout the US, where anyone can hitch a ride. The one photographed above is based on a Jaguar I-Pace.
