What is the difference between autonomous driving levels L1 and L2?
2 Answers
The main differences between autonomous driving L1 and L2 are: L1 is driver assistance, which only allows the vehicle to operate a very limited number of functions; L2 is semi-autonomous driving, which enables the vehicle to perform multiple functions, while the remaining few functions still require driver intervention. The specific analysis is as follows: 1. L1: The driver still needs to operate the vehicle, but safety systems such as ACC adaptive cruise control provide assistance. The driver must keep hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic braking in luxury brands such as Volvo and Mercedes-Benz fall under the L1 autonomous driving category. 2. L2: The autonomous driving technology can briefly take over some driving tasks, allowing the driver's hands and eyes to rest temporarily. However, the driver must remain ready to take over at any moment. Functions such as full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, active lane-keeping, automatic lane-changing, and speed limit recognition are examples of L2 autonomous driving.
As a long-distance driver who frequently travels on highways, I recently compared Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2) autonomous driving systems. L1 is equivalent to the car having only one automated function at a time, such as adaptive cruise control, which helps maintain your speed, but you still need to steer the wheel yourself; or lane-keeping assist, which only helps correct your direction, but you must handle acceleration and braking. Essentially, the system performs one task at a time, and the driver must remain in control. L2, however, is more advanced—it can simultaneously manage both speed and steering, like Tesla's Autopilot or some newer car systems. On highways, the car can largely drive itself, but you must keep your eyes on the road and be ready to take over, as it’s not fully autonomous. The key difference is that L2 combines multiple assistance features, reducing driver fatigue, while L1 is more of an entry-level system better suited for simpler road conditions. I find L2 much more convenient for long trips, but it’s important not to rely on it too much, as emergencies still require human intervention. Safety-wise, L2 can be more distracting, so when choosing a car, it’s crucial to assess the system’s reliability—I recommend test-driving thoroughly before making a decision.
