Increasingly augmented with artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities, the industry is embracing smarter, more automated forms of driving1. Thanks to AI and its ability to process data in similar ways to humans, driving is poised to become more efficient, safer, and intelligent and is transforming humanity's understanding of driving2. This article looks at some of the most intelligent cars to date, showing how AI is already revolutionizing the automotive industry32.

When people talk about AI in cars, they usually think of Tesla. Tesla's Model S leads the pack in terms of AI in-autonomous driving of sensors and cameras as the vehicle navigates roads, changes lanes, and parks itself.1 You can even summon it to pick you up.2 Tesla's neural network learns with every drive and gets better with each driving experience. Routing and mapping are also AI-driven, and the vehicle's energy use is optimized in order to stretch the range of the vehicle.3 Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, still in beta, aims to provide 'full self-driving' — capable of taking the wheel from the driver and driving the vehicle between an origin and a destination without any human participation.4

Mercedes-Benz has built a reputation for luxury, but now the company has made its Mercedes-Benz S-Class a technological marvel. Inside this luxury interior is the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), an AI-powered infotainment system that learns more and more about the driver's preferences through machine-learning capabilities12. Through this advanced system, the MBUX enables users to control practically any feature inside the S-Class car using natural language commands. This interface is by far one of the most intuitive human/machine interfaces on the market23. Leave aside the infotainment, on-board entertainment, and the miscellaneous gadgets, however, and you find that the S-Class is also equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that harness AI to help with functions such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking13. More recently, it has introduced Pre-Safe, an AI-based feature that can detect a forthcoming crash and take precautionary measures such as pre-tightening closed windows. A sporty car always comes with an element of risk, but the S-Class manages to be not only a pleasure to drive but also one of the safest cars out there1.

Another luxury car, BMW's 7 Series, offers a similar approach to AI-enhanced driving. BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant facilitates this by providing the driver with real-time feedback on topics such as routes, climate controls, interior lighting, and other features through voice commands.12 The system is fully integrated: AI learns and absorbs the preferences of its driver or passengers over time (for instance, by monitoring their Zeitgeber preferences or their music choices) and can give proactive recommendations accordingly. The assistant can navigate the car based on what it knows about the user's habits and preferences – and can even predict the user's mood.3 BMW's AI extends to the range of autonomous driving features in its 7 Series, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic parking, and an active driving assistant that adjusts the car's behavior based on real-time driving information, including speed limits and traffic flows.4

Another car to offer advanced AI functionality is the Audi A8, with the Audi AI-powered Traffic Jam Pilot which enables this luxury car to be in full autonomous mode in slow-moving traffic on highways, controlling the steering, acceleration, and braking through a system of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar, which gather information about the local environment around the car and continuously monitors it to make every moment of driving in stop-and-go traffic safer and more relaxing for the driver12. For instance, Audi's AI Active Suspension senses the condition of the road ahead, such as upcoming bumps and potholes, and adjusts the suspension accordingly to smooth out the ride. The car's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping are AI-powered. As such, the A8 is one of the most sophisticated technology-infused sedans available today.

General Motors threw its hat into the ring too with its Cadillac CT6 – a super-quality car featuring the Super Cruise mode. In effect, Super Cruise allows the Cadillac to do all the driving for you along certain stretches of US and Canadian highways by leveraging the power of AI-based GPS data, onboard cameras, and radar sensors. This technology can keep as well as keep it zipping along at the right speed, never going below the allowed speed and never creeping up too close to the car ahead.1 The LiDAR maps are far more accurate than anything previously available, reducing the variables the car needs to handle, so it can more skillfully navigate complex driving environments Thanks to the LiDAR maps, Cadillac's AI is capable of adapting to new environments and performing in complex driving scenarios where Lidar won't be available. It is the simplest of measures aimed at ensuring that the motorist does not zone out and cause an accident during hands-free driving: infrared sensors monitor the movements of the driver's eyes, and alert them when they need to retake control of the wheel.2

Even Porsche's first fully electric car Taycan comes with high-end AI. its Porsche InnoDrive feature and adaptive cruise control, factors in real-time assessments of traffic, speed, speed limits, and even topography in order to determine the most efficient drive.12 AI also facilitates navigation of the car's battery, reducing waste and more efficiently dispersing the energy across the battery, Porsche's AI algorithms prioritize energy usage. This, in turn, increases range. Then, there's an AI-powered voice assistant, identical in operation to other high-end brands, allowing the driver to effectively do anything with his voice, just as he would by using his finger to activate buttons.3

Another luxury sedan that reached out to AI is Lexus's LS. Lexus's Safety System+ uses AI to improve various advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Lexus's system can use real-time data to predict collisions and make appropriate corrections, such as steering the vehicle away from danger.12 Moreover, Lexus's AI-based Driver Attention Monitor ensures that the driver doesn't take his eyes off the road. A camera installed in the car keeps monitoring the driver's face and gives out an alert sound if the facial tracker identifies any trace of drowsiness or inattentiveness. This feature adds another layer of safety to the vehicle, thus preventing human errors that can lead to dangerous accidents.13

Those who want a budget-friendly, AI-enabled electric car might be tempted by the Nissan Leaf, touting ProPILOT Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. ProPILOT Assist uses AI to control steering, braking, and acceleration under limited driving circumstances (e.g., highway driving or traffic jams) while keeping you centered in your lane and at a safe distance from other cars12. In turn, you might find it easier to stay awake while driving long Another cool innovation is-powered acceleration and pedals that can help drivers keep a constant speed and break on a dime when necessary3.

The Nissan Leaf's ProPILOT Assist combines Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist technologies, allowing for hands-on driver assistance up to 37 mph1. While not as advanced as some luxury competitors, the system provides competent lane-centering and adaptive cruise control, making it an underrated driver assistance package for its price point4. However, it's important to note that ProPILOT Assist is a Level 2 system, requiring drivers to remain attentive and keep their hands on the wheel5.

Going forward, you can likely expect your favorite carmaker to make a move to up the AI ante in the coming months and years. For some drivers, the evolution of AI in cars is a blessing, while others fear they will lose the ability to drive on their own. Love driving and fear AI? Hate driving and can't wait to sit behind the wheel and not make one driving decision? Only time will tell how autonomous driving systems, safety technologies, and other AI features will change the way we relate to both cars and the open road.123