While Tesla has been actively promoting its autopilot, which has nothing to do with full-fledged autopilot, for many years, Mercedes-Benz became the first automobile company in the United States to obtain a license for a level 3 autopilot.

Mercedes-Benz in their cars relies on driver assistance systems under the general name Drive Pilot. This is a collection of cameras, GPS data, lidars and other sensors that allow the car to move to some extent without the participation of the driver. Such a system is now available in the S-Class and EQS.

The autopilot of the third level, we recall, implies the ability for the driver to completely release the steering wheel and go about their business, but at the same time, a person must still be ready to take control at any time.

Technologically, many companies have already stated that they are ready to release the corresponding cars, but there is a problem with the legislation in most countries, since the necessary norms are often not yet spelled out there. In particular, the important question of who will be held responsible in the event of an accident remains open.

Mazda, after a series of detailed video teasers, has finally officially unveiled its flagship crossover CX-90. True, there are no details about the cost and some of the technical parameters yet (in particular, the power reserve is not reported), but there are plenty of official images, and there is data on power plants.

The CX-90 has become the most powerful crossover of the brand – in the top version under the hood, an in-line six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.3 liters, a power of 345 hp and a torque of 500 Nm will be registered. True, even this version, in fact, is a hybrid. The so-called “mild” hybrid includes a 48-volt starter-alternator that provides the start-stop system.

The second option is a rechargeable hybrid with a 2.5 engine, a 17.8 kWh traction battery and an electric motor. The power of the power plant is 327 hp, the torque is the same 500 Nm. Cruising range on pure electricity – 48 km.

Both power plants are combined with an 8-speed “automatic” and all-wheel drive.

A feature of the Mazda CX-90 is the Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system, which brakes the rear inner wheel in a turn, thereby improving handling. As for the chassis of the crossover, there is a spring suspension with double wishbones in front, and multi-link in the back.

The car received adaptive cruise control, all-round visibility systems, blind spot monitoring, lane control and traffic sign recognition.

In terms of design (both exterior and interior), there are no revelations: we can say that the CX-90 is a scaled CX-60. By the way, Mazda did not reveal the dimensions of the new flagship, but in any case it should be no less than the CX-9, otherwise 8 seats in the cabin would not fit in any way. However, the three-row CX-90 can be seven or even six-seater.

Mazda focuses on the fact that the interior is made with great attention to detail, and natural veneer, aluminum, and Nappa leather are used in its design.

At the base of the CX-90 is a virtual instrument panel, USB-C ports for all passengers (including the third row) and an ultra-wide screen media system with a diagonal of 10.25 inches. The more expensive versions have a 12.3-inch screen. The list of options includes three-zone climate control, Bose acoustics, a projection display, and a panoramic roof.

Sales of the CX-90 in the US will start in a few months. Prices have not yet been announced, but it is expected that the cost will be in the range of 40 to 60 thousand dollars.

Dealers in China have Changan UNI-V iDD liftbacks, prices have also been announced: from 22,000 to 27,400 dollars. Inexpensive, given that we are not talking about the usual gasoline version, but about an economical hybrid.

The UNI-V iDD is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 167 hp. and an electric motor of exactly the same power – 167 hp. Only the torque of the internal combustion engine is 260 Nm, and that of the electric motor is 330 Nm. Up to 100 km / h, the car accelerates in 6.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 220 km.

UNI-V iDD is not an ordinary hybrid, but a rechargeable one. The capacity of the traction battery is 18.4 kWh, the car can drive up to 100 km on pure electricity, and the range of a fully charged and fueled car is 1010 km (consumption – 4.95 liters per 100 km), and this seems to be true.

The UNI-V iDD is notable for its body shape similar to the Audi A7. This is a mid-size liftback: dimensions are 4695 x 1838 x 1435 mm with a wheelbase of 2750 mm.