The other teammate thread was closed so I had to start a new one. This is an interesting video from Alex on Autos demonstrating the level 2 system in the LS500h. I applaud Lexus for the pretty good integration of the lidar systems, but the system seems so fussy to use, its almost useless.

For one, it doesn't stay in the automated mode long enough and seems to constantly turn off or require touching of the steering wheel every few seconds. The system in my E class will stay self driving on the freeway for more than a minute before it requires input. In addition, the self lane change seems ridiculous since it audibly announces "lane changing starting" or something, and actually requires you to turn your head to look at the blind spot as it is tracking your face. What is the point of having all the lidar and camera system if you still have to look over. The system seems quite advanced from a hardware perspective, but the user interaction part needs work. In addition, Mercedes and other automakers are already going to release their Level 3 soon.

 

Lane changing would get so annoying you would just drive the car yourself.

 

nobody is really releasing Level 3, and certainly right now MB has nothing similar - only GM and Tesla do, and Ford will soon.

As to having to check, yes, that is the point of Level 2 systems. Based on the video, it does not seem to require "every few seconds" touch but by law, Level 2 systems are for you to be able to take over at split second. Or you will have occasional crash with deadly consequences as we see.

Overall it seems like careful but very advanced level 2 assistance system.

 

Given that most people opt for the TTV6 over the hybrid in North America, offering this only on the hybrid puts it in a niche within a niche.

 

I’m pretty sure new gen S class can be level 3 equipped and activated when approved later this year or next year.

 

Seems like this system would be great for long interstate highway drives. In town I don't picture myself using it... particularly with Atlanta-area traffic.

 

And yes, it does seem like Alex needs to touch the wheel every few seconds.

Examples: at 3:54 he releases the steering wheel and 7 seconds later, the car beeps at him to touch
Then again at 4:19 he releases the steering wheel, and then again 7 seconds later, the car beeps at him to touch

 

2022 Lexus LS500h Teammate Driver-Assist-System Review: There's No "Tesla" in Teammate

 

'Teammate' is a great name

 

Which name you like better? Super Cruise or Teammate

 

Not to mention that Honda already beat Toyota to the punch to releasing a level 3 driving system in their own country, with the Legend/RLX. Even if it has been just recently cancelled in Japan...

 

Toyota doesn’t need to be first to level 3.

 

Who said they did?

 

All that Toyota needs to do is be very good and reliably safe to what is becoming standard or acceptable at the moment. Eventually when level 3 arrives, Toyota will update to level 3

out of curiosity. What does Hyundai or Genesis offer?

 

Spywolf asked who is releasing level 3. RXSF replied with Mercedes. I replied with Honda.

Please pay attention to the context of the discussion next time before you come up with another absurd strawman argument.

Also, Hyundai and Genesis offer EV's. Where's Lexus and Toyota's? See, I can create silly unrelated strawman arguments too.