Honda launched its new LEGEND, equipped with the Level 3 autonomous driving system "Honda SENSING Elite," on March 5th.

Level 3 autonomous driving is an advanced technology that complies with Conditional Automated Driving Systems (in limited areas). Under certain conditions, such as during highway traffic jams, the system can take over driving operations from the driver. Honda SENSING Elite, which enables this, is named as a symbol of the elite and superior technology within Honda's current Honda SENSING lineup. Its "Traffic Jam Pilot" function has received type designation as an automated driving device from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for the first time.

Vehicle control relies on high-precision 3D maps and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information to ascertain the vehicle's position and road conditions. Numerous external sensors detect the surroundings in 360 degrees. Based on this information, the main ECU performs appropriate perception, prediction, and decision-making, providing advanced control of the accelerator, brakes, and steering to support a refined and smooth driving experience. Key functions include the following:

1. Hands-off Function
On highways and expressways, when certain conditions are met while the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) are active, this function supports driving operations even when the driver's hands are off the steering wheel.

・Lane Centering with Hands-off Function:
The system assists with driving within the lane and following the vehicle ahead. The system maintains the set speed while driving along the center of the lane, and when there is a vehicle ahead, it assists with following while maintaining an appropriate distance.

・Lane Change Support with Hands-off Function:
While driving with the Lane Centering with Hands-off Function, if the driver confirms the surrounding safety and operates the turn signal, the system assists with acceleration, deceleration, and steering operations associated with the lane change.

・Advanced Lane Change Support with Hands-off Function:
While driving with the Lane Centering with Hands-off Function, when the Advanced Lane Change Support switch is turned on, the system assesses the situation under certain conditions and assists with operations such as lane changes and overtaking. If the system detects a slower vehicle ahead, it notifies the driver and then assists with overtaking and returning to the original lane.

2. Traffic Jam Pilot (Traffic Congestion Driving Function)
When encountering traffic congestion while driving with the Lane Centering with Hands-off Function, under certain conditions, the system monitors the surroundings and operates the accelerator, brakes, and steering in place of the driver. The system maintains the same lane, stops, and restarts according to the speed changes of the vehicle ahead. The driver can watch TV or DVDs on the navigation screen, search for destinations, and perform other navigation tasks, reducing fatigue and stress during traffic jams.

3. Emergency Stop Support Function
If the driver does not continue to respond to the system's operational requests, this function assists with deceleration and stopping while changing lanes to the left. When the Traffic Jam Pilot or Hands-off Function is ending, if the driver does not respond to the system's operational request, the system intensifies audible warnings and vibrates the seatbelt, using visual, auditory, and tactile cues to further prompt the driver to respond. If the driver still does not respond, the system activates hazard lamps and the horn to alert surrounding vehicles while assisting with deceleration and stopping. If there is a shoulder, it assists with changing to the left lane while decelerating.

4. Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
An interface that clearly and instantaneously communicates the operating status, driving conditions, and operational requests from the system to the driver. Honda SENSING Elite indicator lights are equipped on the steering wheel, above the navigation screen, and on the glove box. When hands-off driving is possible, the steering wheel indicator light illuminates blue. When the Traffic Jam Pilot function is active, other indicator lights also illuminate blue.

Conversely, when the system requests driver intervention, these indicator lights turn orange and illuminate or flash, providing clear signals. Additionally, a large 12.3-inch full-color LCD meter displays the system's operating status, surrounding vehicle conditions, and operational requests in a simple yet expressive manner.

Exclusive exterior features include a blue accent lamp and dedicated alloy wheels. Numerous sensors are discreetly integrated, subtly asserting its status as a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system while enhancing the dignity and presence of a flagship sedan. Interior exclusive features include Honda SENSING Elite indicator lights and a 12.3-inch full-color LCD graphic meter, designed with careful attention to placement, size, color, and brightness, ensuring that the system's operating status, driving conditions, and operational requests are intuitively communicated to the driver.

The powertrain combines a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection i-VTEC engine with a 7-speed DCT and SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD. Production is limited to 100 units, with a price of 11 million yen.