Honda introduces a more extensive version of Sensing. This is called Sensing Elite and includes a semi-autonomous driving system. The Legend, not available in the Netherlands, is the first car to benefit from Honda Sensing Elite.
Honda Sensing is the name that the Japanese manufacturer currently applies to its range of passive and active safety systems. It already includes Cross Traffic Monitor, Road Sign Recognition, Smart Cruise Control and Road Departure Mitigation. Honda is now introducing Sensing Elite on its flagship Legend, an expanded variant that makes the Legend in Japan the first car to have a semi-autonomous (level 3) driving technique recognized by the Japanese authorities.
Honda Sensing Elite includes Traffic Jam Pilot, with which the Legend can start independently in traffic jams thanks to adaptive cruise control, Low-Speed ​​Follow and Lane Keeping Assist. The car automatically brakes for the vehicle in front and starts moving again as soon as the vehicle in front has left its position. The system can also change lanes when the driver uses the turn signal. Honda Sensing Elite links information from 3D maps, the navigation system and from various sensors together to determine which steering actions and gas or brake inputs are and are not required or possible. Honda claims to have made some 1.3 million test kilometers with the system before launching it on the market. Under certain circumstances – and in designated areas – the driver can focus on things other than driving, Honda says. The system does, however, warn as soon as input from the driver is required again. These warnings consist of alarm sounds and, for example, seat belt vibrations. If the driver does not react at all, the car is brought to a halt – in a controlled manner. From the outside, the Legend indicates, among other things, via blue LEDs that the hands-off mode is switched on.
The Honda Legend EX is a special and lease market only version in which the Sensing Elite makes its debut. From the outside, it can be recognized by special light metal and various sensors, but also by its modified rear bumper. The Legend EX also gets a digital instrumentation, a first for the top sedan. The digital clock shop is 12.3 inches in diameter.