What is the difference between adaptive cruise control and autonomous driving in the Audi A8?

I am considering purchasing an Audi A8 and am curious about the difference between the adaptive cruise control and autonomous driving features. Can someone explain the technical and functional differences between the two?

Adaptive cruise control is an advanced driver assistance system that uses sensors and radar technology to maintain a preset distance with the vehicle in front of you. Autonomous driving, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a car to drive itself without the need for human input. This includes features such as lane keeping, self-parking, and highway autopilot. While adaptive cruise control is a step towards autonomous driving, they serve different purposes and have varying levels of autonomy.

Adaptive cruise control can help reduce driver fatigue and make long highway drives more comfortable by controlling your speed and keeping a safe distance from other cars. Autonomous driving takes this a step further by also controlling steering and staying in the lane, giving you a more hands-free driving experience. However, it's important to note that Audi's autonomous driving capabilities still require the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over in case of any unexpected situations.