Modern cars with autopilot: how the technology works and how much does a car cost

Modern cars with autopilot would have seemed like something out of science fiction not long ago. But now they actually drive on the roads! And not only somewhere in Silicon Valley, but also in Europe, China, and here, such technologies are being talked about more and more often.

But how smart is this autopilot? Can it drive without a driver at all? And most importantly - a car with autopilot: the price of the issue. Let's figure it out.

How does autopilot work in a car

If you explain it simply, autopilot in a car - It's not magic, but an intelligent system that monitors the road and helps the driver. Here's how it works:

• cameras and sensors — track markings, signs, traffic lights and other cars;
• leaders and radars — determine the distance to obstacles and pedestrians;
• GPS and maps — help the car understand where it is;
• artificial intelligence — analyzes all the data and decides what to do.

But there are no completely driverless cars yet. Now the maximum you can buy is a car with an autopilot of the 2nd or 3rd level. It can behave like a smart assistant: accelerate, brake, change lanes. But the driver still needs to be on the alert.

Which cars with autopilot are already on sale

If you think that cars with autopilot are only Tesla, you are wrong. Here are some interesting models:

1. Tesla Model 3, Model Y are the most famous autopilot, but even Full Self-Driving (FSD) does not replace the driver yet.
2. Mercedes S-Class, EQS are the first certified cars with autopilot in a Level 3 car. In traffic jams, you can take your hands off the steering wheel.
3. BMW iX, Audi A8 are smart assistants that can partially take control.
4. Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 are budget options with a good driver assistance system.

By the way, if you don't want to buy right away, you can use electric car rental with a semi-autonomous driving function: Travel Assist and  try this technology in practice.

Autopilot car: price and is it worth it?

Prices depend on the brand and level of autonomy. Here's a guide:

Important! Tesla includes basic autopilot in the car for free, but if you want Full Self-Driving, you will have to pay an additional $ 12,000.

If you are not ready to shell out the entire amount at once, consider car leasing for individuals or another option for selling cars on lease so you can drive a smart car without much expense.

When will fully driverless cars appear

Right now, even the most advanced modern cars on autopilot require the driver to keep his hands on the wheel. Fully driverless cars are a question of the future, but progress is fast:

• the advantages of autopilot are comfortable rides, fewer accidents;
• cons - high price, restrictions by law, AI is not perfect yet.

But driverless taxis (for example, Waymo) are already operating in the US, and Mercedes was the first to receive permission for Level 3 autopilot. So perhaps in a few years you will be able to calmly drive to work, sipping coffee and reading the news, while the car does all the work for you.