At a media event with Mercedes-Benz earlier this month, I heard company representatives use the same phrase - "software-defined vehicle" or SDV - to describe the new CLA, Mercedes' entry-level EV, which starts at $47,250. The CLA will be the launch platform for Mercedes' new MB.OS operating system, which will include an AI voice-assistant powered by both ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Drivers will interact with the new software interface through a screen that stretches across the entire dashboard. There are nearly 40 inches of display, including the driver's seat. It's a lot of screen.
Solaris underlines that the "quiet electric drive and stable handling reduce vibrations and noise, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone on board. For the driver, this also means less fatigue during long shifts. Its turning circle of less than 17 meters makes everyday maneuvers in heavy traffic much easier, especially on routes with narrow streets and tight intersections". A full range of driver assistance systems supports the driver in daily operation -
Tesla Full Self-Driving is amongst the most robust and refined semi-autonomous driver assistance systems on the market today. After three weeks of ownership, I've driven around half of my miles using it, and my impressions put me right in the middle of it being very impressive and needing some work. Of course, if it were perfect, it would be driving us all around all the time while we sleep, scroll our phones, or watch movies in the cockpit.
