Electric Vehicles with the Best Autopilot Driver Assistance Features

Top 10 Vehicles for Driving Uber Black/Lyft Lux: Drive in Elegance, Comfort, and Efficiency

Driving for the premium tiers of ridesharing services like Uber Black and Lyft Lux requires a vehicle that deftly blends comfort, style, luxury, and performance. At the premium rideshare tier, passengers expect not just a ride but an experience and a comfortable, hassle-free journey.

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Weve researched various models of luxury cars. These are the top 10 vehicles that will elevate your passengers experience and earn you a coveted five-star rating.

1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a full-size luxury sedan known for its luxurious interior, focus on comfort, and high-end technology that has been at the top of its class for decades.

• Luxury & comfort: Iconic for its opulent interiors and smooth ride.
• Performance: Efficient engines that combine power and economy (including a turbocharged inline-six, a twin-turbo V-8, and a plug-in hybrid).
• Safety: Cutting-edge safety technologies for a secure ride.
• Passenger experience: Ambient lighting, plush seating, ample legroom, and a quiet cabin.

2. BMW 7 Series

The 7 series is another full-size luxury sedan and one of the S-Class top competitors, best known for its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and advanced technology.

• Luxury & comfort: Known for advanced tech features and luxurious amenities, including a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a widescreen infotainment system.
• Performance: Dynamic driving experience with efficient fuel economy.
• Safety: Includes an array of safety features: Active Blind Spot Detection and Frontal Collision Warning.
• Passenger experience: Generous space, premium materials, and heating, cooling, and massage functions on the seats.

3. Cadillac Escalade

A large luxury SUV that has been in production since 1999, the Escalade is Cadillacs flagship SUV, best known for its powerful engine and spacious interior.

• Luxury & comfort: Distinctive American luxury, spacious, and well-equipped.
• Performance: Features a powerful 6.2L V8 420 horsepower engine, smooth transmission, and moderate fuel efficiency.
• Safety: Enhanced safety technologies, including advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
• Passenger experience: Luxury seating, advanced infotainment, and a refined atmosphere.

4. Audi A8

Audis flagship luxury sedan, Audi A8, is best known for its sleek, sophisticated design and high-quality materials and finishes.

• Luxury & comfort: High-end materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
• Performance: Balanced handling, power, and fuel efficiency, available with either a turbocharged V6, a plug-in hybrid V6, or a turbocharged W12 engine.
• Safety: Equipped with Audis top safety innovations with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
• Passenger experience: Noise insulation, customizable climate control, and advanced entertainment systems.

5. Lexus LS

The LS is one of Lexus signature vehicles and has been in the lineup for Toyotas luxury division since the brands debut in 1990.

• Luxury & comfort: Synonymous with silent cabins and plush comfort.
• Performance: Adequate power combined with hybrid efficiency, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter, 416 horsepower V6 engine.
• Safety: Enhanced safety features are a hallmark, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
• Passenger experience: Refined interior, ample space, and intuitive tech.

6. Tesla Model S

One of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, the Tesla Model S is well regarded for its range and is a standard for luxury EVs.

• Luxury & comfort: Futuristic and minimalistic design, silent operation.
• Performance: Electric power offering instant torque and smooth acceleration with a range of up to 405 miles for the Long Range model.
• Safety: Notable for impressive safety ratings, the Model S also includes Teslas Autopilot driver assistance system.
• Passenger experience: Panoramic views, over-the-air updates, and a 17-inch touchscreen.

7. Genesis G90

Fully redesigned for 2023, the Genesis G90 now features a modern and streamlined look, and is packed with high-end technology and luxury features.

• Luxury & comfort: Understated elegance, top-notch materials, and a Lexicon sound system.
• Performance: Smooth ride and moderate fuel efficiency powered by a turbocharged V6 engine with an available E-Supercharger.
• Safety: Comprehensive suite of safety features including lane departure prevention and highway driving assist.
• Passenger experience: Quiet ride, rear-seat luxury features, and entertainment options.

8. Jaguar XJ

Though discontinued in 2019, the XJ remains a popular luxury vehicle due to its powerful engine and customization options.

• Luxury & comfort: British craftsmanship, combining luxury and technology with a wide variety of trim options.
• Performance: Featuring agile handling and power with moderate fuel efficiency, the XJ has a variety of engines from a standard V6 to a mighty, supercharged V8.
• Safety: Safety technologies to ensure passenger well-being, including optional features like reverse automatic braking and an intelligent speed limiter
• Passenger experience: Exclusive materials, spacious seating, advanced infotainment.

9. Lincoln Navigator

One of the safest SUVs available, the Navigator is a premium luxury vehicle, known for its twin-turbo V6 engine and sprawling, luxurious interior.

• Luxury & comfort: Elegant design with a focus on passenger comfort and spaciousness, the Navigator truly allows passengers to stretch out.
• Performance: Robust engine performance from the powerful and efficient twin-turbo V6 paired with refined handling.
• Safety: Equipped with a suite of safety and driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and an evasive steering assist.
• Passenger experience: Premium audio, ambient lighting, and customizable seating comfort.

10. Mercedes-Benz GLS

The SUV of the stars, the GLS from Mercedes-Benz flaunts a well-earned reputation on the strength of its high-end performance, both on and off the road, and its air suspension, providing an incredibly smooth ride.

• Luxury & comfort: SUV counterpart of the S-Class offering equal opulence and technology.
• Performance: Power, efficiency, and off-road capabilities, sporting either a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine or 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
• Safety: A leader in safety innovations and features, including pedestrian detection and blind spot monitoring.
• Passenger experience: Spacious interiors, entertainment systems, and air suspension for unprecedented ride comfort.

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Conclusion

Choosing the optimal vehicle for Uber Black or Lyft Lux requires striking the right balance between luxury, comfort, and safety, for you and your passengers. These premium vehicles ensure your fares ride in style and you pack cutting-edge luxury and tech features to create an experience that will impress them.

While the maintenance and operational costs of the luxury vehicles above may be higher, enhanced fare rates and passenger satisfaction can make them a worthwhile investment. Always consider factors like fuel efficiency, amenities, and passenger experience to ensure that your chosen vehicle maximizes profits and rider satisfaction.

Tesla Recalls More Than 1.6 Million Vehicles in China

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Regulators in China said Tesla would recall 1.6 million vehicles to fix issues with its Autopilot driver-assistance system.
• Remote software updates are expected to address the issues.
• The recall in China comes after a similar recall in the U.S. last month.

Electric vehicle maker Tesla (TSLA) is recalling 1.62 million vehicles in China, its second-largest market, over issues with its Autopilot driver-assistance system, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulations.

Much like asimilar recall in the U.S.last month, the issues are expected to be addressed through over-the-air software updates, which will include adding more alerts to prevent drivers from relying too heavily on the features.

Last month, Tesla recalled almost all of its vehicles in use in the U.S. after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlighted concerns over its Autopilot features. The recall affected over 2 million vehicles.

Tesla models impacted by the over-the-air software update will include Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles made between 2014 and 2023, to decrease collision risks and prevent misuse of Autopilot functions.

Additionally, Tesla will upgrade the software of Model S and Model X vehicles to address concerns about doors potentially unlocking in crashes. Tesla made similar upgrades in the U.S. last month after it had to recall more than 120,000 units over the same issue.

Tesla shares were up 0.5% at $239.25 per share as of about 10:30 a.m. ET Friday, and have more than doubled in value over the past year.

Tesla's Autopilot system swerves big obstacle on long road to self-driving cars

Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance system is at the heart of many of its cars and the EV giant has just won the first of several upcoming court cases that could prove significant on the long road to fully self-driving cars.

A civil lawsuit filed in Riverside County Superior Court in California alleged that the Autopilot system caused owner Micah Lee's Model 3 to suddenly veer off a highway east of Los Angeles at 65 miles per hour, strike a palm tree and burst into flames, all in the span of seconds, according to Reuters.

This 2019 crash killed Lee and seriously injured his two passengers, including a then eight-year-old boy. The two survivors sought $400 million in damages, but according to The Guardian the electric vehicle maker claimed it was unclear whether the autopilot feature was engaged at the time of the crash.

Tesla's Autopilot system, which can be upgraded to a full self-driving (FSD) system for an additional fee, is in many of the brand's current models, touting high levels of autonomous driving capabilities that allow the driver to hand certain driving duties over to the car.

However, the company has always maintained that fully autonomous driving isnt ready yet and that the driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times, despite the potentially confusing Autopilot moniker.

This is the second case Tesla has won this year that involves its autonomous driving systems, with success in Los Angeles following accusations from a Model S owner who claimed their vehicle swerved into the kerb and injured its driver.

In both cases so far, the jury has agreed that ultimate responsibility for this technology rested with the human behind the wheel.

A win for Tesla, but a loss for autonomous driving?

According to Reuters, Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law professor, said the outcome in both cases shows "our juries are still really focused on the idea of a human in the driver's seat being where the buck stops.

This argument has helped Tesla win in court, but it could prove tricky for the future of autonomous driving in passenger cars, where the most powerful systems will supposedly allow drivers and passengers to take eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.

Tesla repeatedly lands itself in hot water over its messaging, such as naming its autonomous driving features "full self-driving" (FSD). Reuters recently reported that the car maker is facing a criminal probe into its claims that its cars can drive themselves.

But if the law keeps falling on the side of driver responsibility, this could prove a major stumbling block towards ultimate goal of autonomous driving in passenger cars in the near future, where drivers can kick back and relax while technology does the hard work.

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Tesla wins fatal Autopilot crash jury trial

A jury on Tuesday handed Tesla another win after siding with the automaker over allegations that its Autopilot advanced driver assistance system led to a death.

The case, which was being tried in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, was filed by two passengers who survived a 2019 crash and alleged that Tesla knew its product was defective. The two survivors sought $400 million in damages for the loss of the driver's life, physical injury and mental anguish.

Tesla argued the crash, which resulted in the death of the driver Micah Lee, was the result of human error the same stance it's taken in other Autopilot lawsuits.

While Tesla has won other lawsuits, including a California jury trial earlier this year that determined the automaker's Autopilot system was not to blame for a 2019 crash. In that case, the jury awarded no damages to Los Angeles resident Justine Hsu, who sued Tesla in 2020 alleging negligence, fraud and breach of contract. The Molander v. Tesla case that wrapped up Tuesday was the first jury trial involving a fatality.

Tesla still faces a number of other lawsuits in California, including a wrongful death suit that was filed by the family of Walter Huang, an Apple engineer who died after his Tesla Model X with Autopilot engaged crashed into a highway median. The State of California Department of Transportation is also named in the lawsuit. That wrongful death lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, County of Santa Clara, alleges that errors by Teslas Autopilot driver assistance system caused the crash that killed Huang on March 23, 2018. Huang, who was 38, died when his 2017 Tesla Model X hit a highway barrier on Highway 101 in Mountain View, Calif. A jury trial is expected to begin next year in that case.

Tesla is also facing scrutiny from federal and state regulators, all of which are related to Autopilot and its upgraded version known as Full Self-Driving.

Tesla vehicles come standard with a driver-assistance system branded as Autopilot. For a $6,000 upgrade, owners can purchase Enhanced Autopilot, which includes several other features, including an active guidance system that navigates a car from a highway on-ramp to off-ramp, including interchanges and making lane changes.

For anadditional $12,000, owners can buy full self-driving, or FSD a feature that CEOElon Muskhas promised for years will one day deliver full autonomous driving capabilities.

Tesla vehiclesare not self-driving. Instead, FSD includes a number of automated driving features that still require the driver to be ready to take control at all times. It includes everything in Enhanced Autopilot and is supposed to handle steering on city streets and recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs.