By Dikshaa Puri / New Delhi

In the 21st century, self-driving cars are rapidly moving from novelty to mainstream.

Once regarded as science fiction, self-driving cars are now becoming increasingly commonplace around the world. Major companies like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, General Motors, BYD, and Baidu have been investing heavily in autonomous drive technology. Here are five standout cars that are paving the way for the future with advanced autonomous features.

In the 19th century or even in the early 20th century, if somebody was told that in the future, cars would learn to drive themselves would become real, people would have shaken their heads in disbelief or would have simply laughed.

In the 21st century, self-driving cars are rapidly moving from novelty to mainstream. Major global automakers like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and General Motors are heavily investing in autonomous vehicle technology. Interestingly, it is not just traditional car manufacturers getting involved, tech companies with no prior ties to the auto industry are also entering the space. For example, China’s Baidu has made significant and sustained investments in autonomous driving through its Apollo platform. By 2024, Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group (IDG) targeted RMB 100 million in revenue and profits from its self-driving initiatives.

Additonally in 2024, Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, has received a USD 5.6 billion funding round to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service. Thus, reflecting the growing footprint of self-driving cars.

As autonomous technology rapidly shifts from novelty to necessity, the automotive world is brimming with innovation. Here are five standout cars already showcasing the future with advanced autonomous features.

IONIQ 5, South Korea

On September 21, 2021, South Korean automaker Hyundai, in collaboration with autonomous tech company Motional, unveiled the IONIQ 5 robotaxi at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, Germany. Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), its dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture, this cutting-edge robotaxi merges electric mobility with advanced autonomous capabilities.

Equipped with SAE level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, allowing it to operate without a driver, IONIQ 5 robotaxi leverages Motional’s sophisticated driverless technology, powered by machine learning systems trained on real-world data to handle complex traffic scenarios. A full suite of sensors, including multiple lidars, radars and high-resolution cameras, offering 360° perception and long-range object detection to ensure a safe, seamless ride.

Inside, the cabin is thoughtfully designed to offer a spacious and comfortable environment, ideal for working, relaxing or socialising while the car does the driving.

Primarily targeted at the US market, this robotaxi was initially deployed in Las Vegas and as of 2024, IONIQ 5 robotaxi had passed a simulated driver’s licence test and was operating on public roads in the city, becoming the first autonomous car to pass a driving test.

Rivian R1S SUV, USA

Meanwhile, in the United States, Rivian is pushing the envelope with its semi-autonomous technology.

The American EV maker’s R1S SUV comes equipped with the Driver plus Autonomy Platform, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that enables hands-free highway driving, as long as the driver keeps their eyes on the road. While not fully autonomous, the system allows the vehicle to steer, brake, and accelerate independently, stepping in if it senses driver’s inattention.

R1S can also perform automatic lane changes, though the driver must initiate the move using the turn signal stalk, a thoughtful blend of human intent and machine execution. With a suite of cameras, radar, and sensors providing a 360° view, the system continuously monitors surrounding traffic, ensuring safe and adaptive navigation.

While the R1S is currently equipped with Level 2 driver-assistance features, Rivian has announced plans to introduce Level 3 autonomy by 2026.

This would allow the vehicle to handle most driving tasks in specific conditions without constant driver supervision, but for now, the driver must remain alert and ready to take control at any moment.

Lotus Eletre, UK

The Lotus Eletre, a British luxury SUV built in China, is also entering the race. It blends high performance with cutting-edge autonomy.

With a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) range of up to 600 km, the Eletre operates at Level 2 autonomy for now, meaning the driver must remain attentive and in control. But this SUV is packed with futuristic tech, a 3D mapping system, high-definition cameras, and lidar capable of scanning 200 metres in every direction.

It does not stop there. The Eletre uses a full suite of sensors, seven cameras, six radar units, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and four deployable lidar modules, to provide a complete 360° awareness. Powering all this is a pair of Nvidia Drive Orin chips, delivering the computational muscle needed for real-time decision-making.

Although current regulations limit the Eletre to Level 2 operation, it is built with Level 4 autonomy in mind, where the car can handle all driving tasks in select conditions without human input. Once the law catches up, this SUV is ready.

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Waymo One, USA

Similar to its South Korean counterpart is the American robotaxi, Waymo One, a self-driving ride-hailing service that uses autonomous vehicles with no human driver in the front seat. Operating in several cities in the United States like San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, the service was launched in December 2018. Since then, this robotaxi classified as Level 4 autonomy by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has been running driverless, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, within mapped areas.

According to Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, these vehicles are designed to be safer than human drivers. A 2023 peer-reviewed study conducted with Swiss Re and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute backs this up, showing that across more than 50,000 rides and 56 million miles in Phoenix, Waymo vehicles saw 94 pc fewer police-reported crashes and zero injuries.

Passengers can view the car’s route and surroundings through interactive screens. The system allows for ride scheduling and multiple stops along the way. Riders can also adjust the temperature to their liking and play music or audio from various sources.

However, the autonomous feature still operates within certain boundaries, limited to approved areas, mapped routes, and suitable weather. In emergencies or uncertain situations, a remote team can intervene as a safety measure where the system’s confidence is reduced.

Due to its expanding capabilities, the company plans to roll out services in other US cities like Washington DC and Miami starting in 2026. In April, Waymo announced it would begin driving on the streets of Tokyo, marking its first step into international territory.

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God’s Eye, China

But in Asia, Chinese high-tech company BYD has introduced its own version of a self-driving system.

The company’s ‘God’s Eye’ is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) offering features such as remote parking, autonomous overtaking, and navigation on autopilot. It is available in multiple configurations, ranging from a camera-only setup (C) to LiDAR-equipped systems, A and B, for enhanced perception. BYD’s DiPilot system integrates AI-driven capabilities and scalable hardware, with planned upgrades via over-the-air (OTA) updates. The entry-level DiPilot 100 supports highway navigation, lane changes, and obstacle avoidance, and includes remote valet parking with a claimed accuracy of 2 cm.

Launched on February 10 at an event in Shenzhen under the ‘Intelligent Driving for All’ initiative, the system includes a three-camera module, four surround-view cameras, five long-range cameras, five mm-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars and 29 sensors in total.

Meanwhile. BYD sold approximately 4.27 million electric and hybrid vehicles globally in 2024. The ‘God’s Eye’ ADAS is offered across several of its models in China, often as a bundled or low-cost upgrade. This move has contributed to a reported 41 pc rise in sales last year.

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As demonstrated by these vehicles, self-driving cars are no longer a distant concept, they are rapidly becoming a fixture of everyday transport in key global markets. With increasing investment and advancing technology, autonomous vehicles are set to transform mobility, logistics, and urban planning. What was once seen as fiction is now steering towards mainstream reality.