What is the difference between L2 and L3 autonomous driving?
2 Answers
L2 and L3 have certain differences in the level of autonomous driving. The following are the distinctions between L2 and L3 in terms of autonomous driving capabilities: 1. L2 Level: L2 achieves semi-autonomous driving, where the vehicle can perform multiple functions, allowing the driver to take brief breaks from steering but still requires readiness to take over driving tasks at any time. L2 features include full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, active lane keeping, speed limit recognition, automatic lane changing, etc. 2. L3 Level: L3 enables the vehicle to perform partial autonomous driving operations in specific environments, capable of determining whether to continue autonomous driving or return control to the driver based on road conditions. This level marks the true beginning of autonomous driving, where the vehicle can almost independently complete all driving operations, even allowing the driver to browse social media like Weibo.
I frequently drive on business trips and have a clear understanding of the differences between L2 and L3 autonomous driving. Simply put, L2 is only semi-assisted—it helps you control steering and speed, such as adaptive cruise control or lane keeping, but you must keep your eyes on the road at all times and your hands on the steering wheel, or the system will disengage. L3 is much more advanced. Under specific conditions like highways or traffic jams, it can take full control of driving, allowing you to not only take your hands off the wheel but also briefly look at your phone or take a short nap. However, the system will prompt you to take over immediately when needed. The fundamental difference lies in monitoring responsibility: with L2, you must always stay vigilant, while L3 allows you to relax a bit. This difference stems from hardware upgrades—L2 relies on basic cameras and radar, whereas L3 typically adds lidar for improved precision. That said, L3 is limited to specific roads; you still have to drive manually in the city, so don’t expect it to be all-powerful.
