Last year, Honda shocked the motoring world by beating prominent luxury automakers to market with functional Level 3 autonomous driving technology. It's a complicated subject, because Audi actually had the first system a few years prior but never activated it due to legal concerns about its use. Therein lies the issue – simply having the tech isn't enough. It needs to function in the real world, and that's easier said than done.
All eyes are presently on Honda, as it's the only automaker with a Level 3 model operating on public roads. The upscale Legend sedan gained approval for the tech last year in Japan, where it can be used on 90 percent of Japanese highways according to Automotive News. As a refresher, Level 3 systems promise hands-off and eyes-off driving, though the driver must be ready to assume control at any time. In Honda's case, the system (called Honda Sensing Elite) serves as a hands-off assist aimed at congested stop-and-go traffic, as it's only available below 31 mph. But you must be traveling at least 18 mph before you can engage it.
