Mixed Feelings on Driver Assist Features - Best Tank Yet, But Still Can't Crack 30 MPG - 2015 S60

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Mixed Feelings on Driver Assist Features - Best Tank Yet, But Still Can't Crack 30 MPG - 2015 Volvo S60 Long-Term Road Test

Our 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E has blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning/intervention. One of these features is more valuable than the other.

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ebeaudoin

Not sure where the mixed feelings are; sounds like you enjoy it. These features are nice conveniences for sure. I just don't know if I would use the Lane Keeping Assist. Maybe when I'm a little sleepy.

kirkhilles1

I still find it amazing that we are "so close" to a fully self driving car, yet so far away with these "assist" technologies. Beeping and little lights? No, that's not the answer. I'd want something that would adjust the steering to make it stay within the lane. Not a rumble, but more of along the lines that the steering wheel "wants" to have you center and it takes more effort to move elsewhere. You should be able to let go of the steering wheel (if it were to allow it) and have it steer for you.

zimtheinvader

" it's not going to save you from impending doom. "

I'd prefer just a subtle reminder to having it take control. I don't want it to save me, just point it out to me.

If I'm such a bad driver that an alert that I'm about to let something bad happen isn't enough to make me take notice so that I can then react then I shouldn't be on the road at all. I don't expect it to save me if I've lost consciousness due to a medical emergency and if I've fallen soundly asleep then I should have my license revoked for driving in that condition.

socal_eric

The light on the interior of the car makes sense for the driver but one advantage of being mirror-mounted is that when you're coming up on vehicles that are so equipped, it's nice to see the system activate and know that the other driver *should* be aware that you might be coming into their blind spot.

saulster

I also like the inside blind spot monitoring indicators in my 2015 S60. Less of an eyeball stretch sideways to see. Closer and more likely to get my immediate attention. Clearer in bright light, ie, driving away from the sun, bright in the mirrors, in morning or afternoon commutes from work.

I am less fond of the lane keeping, the intervention is not consistent IMHO, sometimes there when I don't think it should be. As noted in the owner's manual as you pointed out. Not represented as perfect! I feel that if on is so sleepy that he or she has to rely on the lane keeping to maintain, it's time to stop and rest. Until we have fully self driving cars, of course. But the nannys have a good place for occasional driving sloppiness or inattention. And I have to admit that if someone is driving on despite being overly tired ( haven't we all done that? ), I would rather they have this kind of assistance than not.

barich1

I prefer them on the mirror. I'm already looking at the mirror when changing lanes, so I'm not sure why visibility is an issue. I would find the interior indicators to be rather distracting.

roubaud

Rear cross traffic alert is the bomb on my S60. As for lane keeping, I think it's a nice perk to long highway trips, but even better is radar cruise control -- that thing is heaven.