Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance system has been around for a few years now, and the automaker continues to add new features to it as well – most recently, BlueCruise 1.4, and soon, 1.5, which is set to add an automatic lane change feature. The Blue Oval recently lowered the price of this particular feature as well amid massive growth since it launched a few years ago, but BlueCruise now has a pretty interesting rival from Ford’s long-time foe Stellantis – STLA AutoDrive.
Stellantis just revealed STLA AutoDrive 1.0 – the company’s first automated driving system that delivers hands-free and eyes-off Level 3 functionality, notably. The feature can support Level 3 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 37 miles-per-hour for now, which could prove useful in stop and go traffic, and is aimed at those that live in densely populated urban areas. Stellantis notes that engaging this feature means that users can do things like watch a movie, read emails, or even peruse a new book.
STLA AutoDrive automatically notifies users when it’s available to use, after which they can activate the feature with the push of a button. From there, the system maintains a certain safe distance between that vehicle and others, automatically adjusting speed as needed, as well as managing the steering and brakes. The system uses an array of sensors to make this happen, and reportedly works in dark conditions, as well as light rain and other weather, thanks to an automated sensor-cleaning system. At higher speeds, STLA AutoDrive offers owners Level 2 and 2+ features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering functions, too.
This is just the latest of many such features, with Rivian set to launch its own BlueCruise rival later this year, too. As for Ford, it’s working on developing its own Level 3 technology, which CEO Jim Farley said the automaker was “close” to achieving this past summer.
Comments
Great example of what NOT to be spending your time on when you have FAR bigger issues. I’m beginning to think the auto industry is the dumbest on the planet.
Farley is the dumbest.
The only people that get 1.4 or 1.5 are 2025/2026 buyers. Ford is totally screwing over existing owners that plopped down 4 grand for a never updated 1.0 beta release.
Ford better change its tune fast or they will see record numbers of BlueCruise subscription non-renewals.
I hope Stellantis learns from Ford’s completely assanine move. But then again it came from Farley. Are we surprised?