In Japan, only 80 Honda Legends with Level 3 capability were sold.
Honda stunned the motoring industry by beating major luxury carmakers to market with functional Level 3-advanced driving technology. This is a complex topic because Audi had the original system several years ago but was never activated due to legal concerns. The problem is that simply having the technology doesn’t suffice. It must work in real life, which is not easy.
Honda is the only automaker that offers a Level 3 model on public roads. The Legend sedan is a high-end model. It was approved for the technology last year in Japan. Automotive News says that Level 3 systems offer hands-off and eye-off driving but the driver must still be able to take control. Honda Sensing Elite, which Honda calls a hands-off assistance, is only available at speeds below 31 mph. You must travel at least 18 mph to engage the system.
Automotive News describes a recent trip in a Legend equipped with Honda Sensing Elite on Japanese highways. It wasn’t particularly impressive. The system was not activated during a 90-minute test drive. Speeds rose above 31 mph before the parameters were met. Honda advises drivers to avoid eating or wearing sunglasses while driving on roads with sharp corners.