Which is the smartest car in the world?

The most accurate answer is: there isn’t a single universally “smartest” car right now. If you want the most advanced, legally certified automated driving, Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class and EQS models with Drive Pilot (Level 3) are the current benchmark. For the most ambitious AI‑driving capability under driver supervision, Tesla’s lineup running FSD v12 leads globally. And for cutting‑edge urban autonomy at scale (particularly without high‑definition maps), China‑market vehicles with Huawei ADS 2.0 (Aito M9) and Xpeng’s XNGP are standouts. This landscape is evolving quickly, but as of late 2024 these are the clearest leaders by category.

What “smartest” really means in cars

“Smart” blends legal autonomy, real‑world driver assistance, sensor sophistication, computing power, safety monitoring, and software update cadence. No brand leads on every axis at once, so context—where you drive, what you value, and what’s legally permitted—matters.

• Legal autonomy level: What is officially approved (e.g., SAE Level 2 vs Level 3) and where it’s allowed.
• Real‑world capability: How well the system handles highways, city streets, and complex scenarios.
• Sensors and compute: Lidar/radar/camera mix plus processors (e.g., Nvidia Orin, custom silicon) that enable advanced perception.
• Driver monitoring and safety: Interior cameras, hands‑on/eyes‑on checks, attention safeguards, and crash‑avoidance performance.
• Software DNA: Over‑the‑air updates, AI model maturity, voice/assistant features, and the pace of improvements.
• Geography and mapping: Features available in your country, reliance on HD maps, and regulatory constraints.

Together, these factors determine how “smart” a car feels day to day—and why different models can be smartest for different buyers.

Global leaders by category

Most advanced certified autonomy (Level 3)

Mercedes‑Benz Drive Pilot is the first widely available Level 3 system certified in Germany and parts of the U.S. (California and Nevada). On designated, mapped highways, it can assume the driving task within strict conditions—typically traffic scenarios up to around 60 km/h in Germany and up to 40 mph in parts of the U.S.—while allowing the driver to take their eyes off the road but remain ready to resume control. That makes the S‑Class and EQS the most “legally smart” cars on sale. BMW’s 7 Series with “Personal Pilot L3” offers a similar, certified Level 3 capability in Germany, also under constrained conditions. Honda’s low‑volume Legend in Japan was the first L3 production car, but it was extremely limited in availability.

Most capable AI‑driving under supervision (Level 2+)

Tesla’s FSD v12 introduced an end‑to‑end neural network approach that materially improved urban driving behavior in many scenarios and has been rolling out broadly in North America. It remains Level 2—meaning the driver must stay attentive with eyes on the road and be ready to take over at any time—but in terms of ambition, software cadence, and scale, Tesla’s system is the most advanced supervised system available to consumers globally.

Urban autonomy leaders in China

China’s market is moving fastest on sophisticated city‑driving assistance without reliance on HD maps. Vehicles running Huawei ADS 2.0 (notably the Aito M9) and Xpeng’s XNGP offer strong unprotected‑turn handling, lane changes, and roundabout negotiation in many Chinese cities. Li Auto’s AD Max 3.0 and Nio’s NAD continue to improve as well. Availability and performance are region‑specific, but for dense urban environments in China, these systems are currently the most “street‑smart.”

Safety‑first smart hardware and software

Volvo’s EX90 introduces a robust sensor stack (including lidar) with Nvidia Orin compute and advanced driver monitoring, prioritizing crash avoidance and occupant protection as software features expand via OTA updates. Lucid’s DreamDrive Pro and GM’s Super Cruise/Ultra Cruise platforms show strong highway competence with reliable driver monitoring. These models emphasize measurable safety and transparency over headline autonomy levels.

Notable models that exemplify “smart” in 2024

Below are production vehicles widely cited for leading intelligence in their respective categories. Availability and feature sets vary by market and trim.

• Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class/EQS with Drive Pilot: First widely available Level 3 certification in Germany and parts of the U.S., enabling hands‑off, eyes‑off in specific traffic conditions.
• Tesla Model 3/Model Y/Model S/Model X with FSD v12: Most ambitious supervised AI‑driving at consumer scale; frequent OTA updates and rapid iteration.
• BMW 7 Series with Personal Pilot L3 (Germany): Certified Level 3 under limited conditions; strong integration and driver monitoring.
• Aito M9 (Huawei ADS 2.0, China): Among the best urban autonomy suites without HD maps, with confident city‑street performance.
• Xpeng G9/G6 with XNGP (China): Advanced city and highway navigation assistance, notable for map‑light operation across many cities.
• Nio ET7/ET5/ES6 with NAD: Dense sensor array and high compute; steady expansion of Navigate on Pilot capabilities in China.
• Volvo EX90: Lidar‑centric safety, powerful compute, and conservative rollout of driver assistance, aiming for strong real‑world safety outcomes.
• GM vehicles with Super Cruise: Excellent hands‑free highway assistance with robust driver monitoring and a large mapped‑road network in North America.

Each of these models is “smart,” but their strengths differ: legal autonomy, supervised AI behavior, urban prowess, or safety emphasis. Your use case should guide your pick.

How to decide which “smartest” car fits you

Because “smart” depends on where and how you drive, use these practical filters to narrow the field to your best match.

1. Match to your roads: If you mostly drive in heavy freeway traffic, certified L3 (Mercedes/BMW, where legal) or excellent L2 highway systems (GM Super Cruise) may deliver the biggest benefit.
2. Assess your comfort with supervision: Tesla’s FSD v12 can be impressive but requires constant attention; some drivers prefer conservative, highly monitored systems.
3. Consider your region: In China, Huawei ADS 2.0 and XNGP lead in cities. In Europe and the U.S., availability and legal status differ.
4. Prioritize safety and transparency: Look for strong driver monitoring, clear handoff cues, and published safety data.
5. Think long‑term software support: OTA cadence, hardware headroom (compute/sensors), and the automaker’s software track record matter.
6. Test in your daily scenarios: Pilot the system where you actually drive—construction zones, night, rain—to gauge real competence.

Following these steps aligns the car’s strengths with your daily reality, ensuring the “smartest” choice is smart for you—not just on paper.

Bottom line

There’s no single, uncontested “smartest car” today. For certified hands‑off capability, Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class/EQS with Drive Pilot are the legal and technical high‑water mark. For the most advanced AI‑driving under supervision at scale, Tesla’s FSD v12 stands out. In China’s cities, Huawei ADS 2.0 (Aito M9) and Xpeng’s XNGP set the pace. Your smartest choice depends on where you live, how you drive, and whether you prioritize regulatory certainty, cutting‑edge AI behavior, or safety‑first design.

Summary

Smartest overall depends on category: Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class/EQS (Drive Pilot L3) for certified autonomy, Tesla’s lineup (FSD v12) for leading supervised AI driving, and Huawei/Xpeng for urban autonomy in China. Evaluate by your region, driving patterns, and comfort with supervision to pick the smartest car for your needs.

What brand is the smart #1 car?

The Smart #1 (stylised as “smart #1”) is a battery electric subcompact crossover SUV developed and produced by Smart Automobile, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group and Geely Holding.

Is there a 1 of 1 car?

Yes, a 1 of 1 car is a real concept, referring to a vehicle produced by a manufacturer with a unique trim and specifications, made only once, often for a specific customer or purpose. Many such one-off cars exist, from custom-ordered vehicles to special concepts built by manufacturers like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and others, as seen with examples like the Ferrari Pinin or the Aston Martin Victor.
 
What is a 1 of 1 Car?

• Unique Specifications: A 1 of 1 car is distinguished by its unique features, which can include technical, functional, or aesthetic variations not found on any other production model. 
• Custom Orders: These cars are often created as a result of specific instructions from a customer. 
• Manufacturer Concepts: Sometimes, manufacturers produce a 1 of 1 vehicle as a concept or a special project, showcasing unique design or engineering. 

Examples of One-Off Cars

• Ferrari Pinin: An example of a one-off car, it is a unique concept from Ferrari. 
• Aston Martin Victor: Another example of a manufacturer-created one-off, highlighting design and performance. 
• Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato: A custom-built one-off that was created for a specific customer. 

Which is the best No. 1 car in the world?

Top 10 Most Popular Cars in the World

1. Toyota Corolla. Maintaining its leadership for 4 consecutive years!
2. Toyota Camry. Another “leading” model from Toyota is the representative and more comfortable Camry.
3. Honda CR-V.
4. Toyota RAV4.
5. Ford F-Series.
6. Hyundai Tucson.
7. Chevrolet Silverado.
8. Tesla Model 3.

What is the smartest car in the world?

Top 10 Smartest Cars in the World

1. Volvo EX90. An electric crossover recently unveiled to the public impresses not only with its dimensions, although they are worth noting too.
2. Rolls-Royce Spectre. Once again, an electric car.
3. Audi Q7.
4. BMW X7.
5. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
6. HiPhi X.
7. Nio ET7.
8. Tesla Model Y.