Suggestion: Autonomous Driving Mode

[ID_ENG]

TBH I did not read every post in this thread so forgive me if it was mentioned..
In one of the recent CES videos, a SM Engineer mentioned level 2 driver assist or something along those lines. The key thing being Level 2.

Quick Google search and seems like it'll have something akin to Cadillac's Super Cruise.

Which to me sounds like a good option for those long road trips.

 

[R1TVT]

Good overview of different drive types here:

The 6 Levels of Vehicle Autonomy Explained | Synopsys Automotive

Discover the 6 levels of vehicle autonomy, from manual to fully autonomous driving. Understand SAE's classification and advancements in driver assistance technology.

www.synopsys.com

from the same article:

Level 3 (Conditional Driving Automation)​

The jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is substantial from a technological perspective, but subtle if not negligible from a human perspective.

Level 3 vehicles have “environmental detection” capabilities and can make informed decisions for themselves, such as accelerating past a slow-moving vehicle. But―they still require human override. The driver must remain alert and ready to take control if the system is unable to execute the task.

Almost two years ago, Audi (Volkswagen) announced that the next generation of the A8―their flagship sedan―would be the world’s first production Level 3 vehicle. And they delivered. The 2019 Audi A8L arrives in commercial dealerships this Fall. It features Traffic Jam Pilot, which combines a lidar scanner with advanced sensor fusion and processing power (plus built-in redundancies should a component fail).

However, while Audi was developing their marvel of engineering, the regulatory process in the U.S. shifted from federal guidance to state-by-state mandates for autonomous vehicles. So for the time being, the A8L is still classified as a Level 2 vehicle in the United States and will ship without key hardware and software required to achieve Level 3 functionality. In Europe, however, Audi will roll out the full Level 3 A8L with Traffic Jam Pilot (in Germany first).

 

[Moates442]

Volvo recently got this right with their EX90, where they said something to the effect of "This thing has all the hardware it needs for L4/L5 autonomy whenever the software is ready." That's what I'd like to see from Scout. It creates a lot of brand trust if they know the tech is changing and they at least take affirmative steps to preserve that value for folks even before the tech is available.

I agree. I think Volvo is very smart to do it that way.

 

[Moates442]

Good overview of different drive types here:

The 6 Levels of Vehicle Autonomy Explained | Synopsys Automotive

Discover the 6 levels of vehicle autonomy, from manual to fully autonomous driving. Understand SAE's classification and advancements in driver assistance technology.

www.synopsys.com

from the same article:

Level 3 (Conditional Driving Automation)​

The jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is substantial from a technological perspective, but subtle if not negligible from a human perspective.

Level 3 vehicles have “environmental detection” capabilities and can make informed decisions for themselves, such as accelerating past a slow-moving vehicle. But―they still require human override. The driver must remain alert and ready to take control if the system is unable to execute the task.

Almost two years ago, Audi (Volkswagen) announced that the next generation of the A8―their flagship sedan―would be the world’s first production Level 3 vehicle. And they delivered. The 2019 Audi A8L arrives in commercial dealerships this Fall. It features Traffic Jam Pilot, which combines a lidar scanner with advanced sensor fusion and processing power (plus built-in redundancies should a component fail).

However, while Audi was developing their marvel of engineering, the regulatory process in the U.S. shifted from federal guidance to state-by-state mandates for autonomous vehicles. So for the time being, the A8L is still classified as a Level 2 vehicle in the United States and will ship without key hardware and software required to achieve Level 3 functionality. In Europe, however, Audi will roll out the full Level 3 A8L with Traffic Jam Pilot (in Germany first).

I believe Merc faced the same problem, and so their level 3 system is only available in California and Nevada so far.

 

[Mousehunter]

Quick google showed aging articles - but it seemed like Merc's level 3 is limited to a very specific (but useful) situation - traffic on a highway at below 40mph (and then probably only specific highways).

Other commenters mentioned the real difference between level 2 and level 3 is where the liability lies. The driver NEVER gives up liability with level 2. The manufacturer assumes liability with level 3. Liability is answered with insurance. Merc is offering limited level 3 on a very limited group of cars. So they can be first to level 3, while mitigating liability by mitigating numbers.

 

[Scout_Lookout]

I have owned a Tesla on FSD and gets boring. I currently own a R1T and use the EHA (Enhanced Highway Assist) on my daily commute which is roughly about 90% highway. Honestly, I think the only thing needed in the Scout is a good lane centering adaptive cruise control, auto lane change, blind-spot warnings, and turn signal cameras. All of which I sincerely hope they have at launch.

 

[cyure]

I have owned a Tesla on FSD and gets boring. I currently own a R1T and use the EHA (Enhanced Highway Assist) on my daily commute which is roughly about 90% highway. Honestly, I think the only thing needed in the Scout is a good lane centering adaptive cruise control, auto lane change, blind-spot warnings, and turn signal cameras. All of which I sincerely hope they have at launch.

Jamie has stated the plan is for Level II+.

 

[robothero]

One of the things that scares me the most on the road today is having a tesla come into my field of vision.

We have a LOT of teslas in our area and many of them are driven by "new" drivers. They have a very minimal ability to function if the car isn't doing everything for them, and FSD/Autopilot isn't a huge improvement. Gotta cross your fingers and hope they don't decide to slam on the breaks 8 car lengths behind a vehicle that's slowing down, randomly change lanes or change speeds to disrupt the flow of traffic, or even worse the driver "takes control" and makes frantic adjustments.

Give me adaptive cruise control, blind spot warnings, and lane assist/centering and I'm good. And none of those are new technologies either. They are great assistants that ease the burden of driving (especially on a long road trip), but I'm still fully in control.

 

[Scout_Lookout]

Jamie has stated the plan is for Level II+.

Is that so? I just don't think the Scout customer base is going to prioritize that as a selling point. I mean when Rivian moves to charging for Autonomy plus I'm not going to be subscribing to it.

 

[cyure]

Is that so? I just don't think the Scout customer base is going to prioritize that as a selling point. I mean when Rivian moves to charging for Autonomy plus I'm not going to be subscribing to it.

This is the latest comment he made on it that I am aware of. He’s a great one to follow. He answers our questions when he can.

Post in thread 'Extra, Extra....Read All About It!'

Dec 14, 2025

He did. @Jamie@ScoutMotors can we please get clarification. In the newest interview “The Benj” says level 2 and you have stated level 2+. Which one will our Scouts have? Please and thank you.

As has been pointed out, Level II+ doesn't "officially" exist. That said, I got clarification and we will have Level II+ meaning some hands-free capabilities. Subject to final certifications and last minute changes.

• Jamie@ScoutMotors

• 
• 

 

[Marlowman]

I like FSD. Especially on long drives. Much better than lane centering and lane change assist. I’m pro-FSD.

 

[Scout_Lookout]

I like FSD. Especially on long drives. Much better than lane centering and lane change assist. I’m pro-FSD.

Fun fact, on the highway the Tesla system defaults to the now extinct autopilot system which was their default lane keep assist system. I think what you like is the point-to-point navigation which will take interchanges, and exits the highway for you. I think point-to-point is definitely needed on the Scout especially to cover long distances at a time.

 

[J Alynn]

Fun fact, on the highway the Tesla system defaults to the now extinct autopilot system which was their default lane keep assist system. I think what you like is the point-to-point navigation which will take interchanges, and exits the highway for you. I think point-to-point is definitely needed on the Scout especially to cover long distances at a time.

Is that feature considered level II+? Just curious since Jamie ne toned that as the extent of autonomous but seems like that feature could be on the border line

 

[Scout_Lookout]

Is that feature considered level II+? Just curious since Jamie ne toned that as the extent of autonomous but seems like that feature could be on the border line

According to Google - Yes, Tesla's Autopilot is classified as Level 2 under the SAE six levels (0 to 5) of vehicle automation.

 

[oldgeeksguide]

According to Google - Yes, Tesla's Autopilot is classified as Level 2 under the SAE six levels (0 to 5) of vehicle automation.

I believe “FSD” is also level 2. You can’t have level 3 and above without the manufacturer accepting some liability, and Elon is allergic to that.

 

[Mousehunter]

Robo Taxi?

 

[Scout_Lookout]

I believe “FSD” is also level 2. You can’t have level 3 and above without the manufacturer accepting some liability, and Elon is allergic to that.

Thats correct. FSD is considered level 2 also. However, I think FSD is much closer to level 3 than say Rivian's EHA system, and its the system of Rivian that I would want in my Scout not necessarily to the level of FSD.