Mercedes-Benz has reached a new milestone in automotive innovation, announcing that its cutting-edge DRIVE PILOT system has been certified for use in California. This landmark achievement makes Mercedes-Benz the first automaker authorized to introduce an SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system in a standard-production vehicle for operation on public freeways within California, the most populous state in the United States. For those passionate about Driving A Mercedes, this technology represents a significant leap forward, blending luxury with unparalleled technological advancement. The DRIVE PILOT system will be available in the U.S. as an option for the 2024 model year Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan, with initial deliveries commencing in late 2023. California’s certification follows Nevada’s earlier approval in January 2023, signaling Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to expand this groundbreaking system to further markets in the future, enhancing the experience of driving a Mercedes worldwide.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT is globally recognized as the only SAE Level 3 system with international type approval. Its robust design and industry-leading standards, underpinned by a highly sophisticated vehicle architecture with sensor redundancy, ensure comfortable and safe conditionally automated driving. The certifications in both California and Nevada underscore that our approach to redundancy is not only safe but also the correct path forward.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving
DRIVE PILOT is engineered to transform the experience of driving a Mercedes by offering conditional automation. In specific scenarios, this SAE Level 3 system allows drivers to temporarily divert their attention from the road to what are termed “secondary activities”. When DRIVE PILOT is engaged, certain applications that are typically restricted while driving become accessible on the vehicle’s central display, adding a new dimension to in-car convenience and productivity.
Imagine driving a Mercedes through congested freeway sections; DRIVE PILOT can be activated to take over the dynamic driving task at speeds up to 40 mph. Activation is intuitive, through control buttons located on the steering wheel rim. Once activated, the system adeptly manages speed and distance, smoothly maintaining the vehicle within its lane. It intelligently integrates route information, traffic events, and road signs into its operation. Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT is designed to react autonomously to unexpected traffic situations, executing evasive maneuvers within the lane or initiating braking as necessary, ensuring a safe and relaxed driving experience in your Mercedes.
Safety remains paramount. Should the driver fail to regain control after repeated prompts, potentially due to a health emergency, DRIVE PILOT is programmed to bring the Mercedes-Benz to a controlled stop, activating hazard warning lights, engaging the Mercedes‑Benz emergency call system, and unlocking doors to facilitate access for first responders. This thoughtful safety net underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to driver and passenger well-being while driving a Mercedes equipped with DRIVE PILOT.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlights the customer-centric approach: “We are exceptionally proud to extend our leadership in Level 3 conditionally automated driving with this California certification, reinforcing our position at the forefront of U.S. innovation. This pioneering system reflects our commitment to safety and technology leadership, offering Mercedes-Benz customers unparalleled convenience and reclaiming their time during congested commutes.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of driving a Mercedes with DRIVE PILOT – a harmonious blend of luxury, technology, and enhanced usability.
Redundancy: The Cornerstone of Safe Automated Driving
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety above all else in the development and deployment of DRIVE PILOT, emphasizing operational reliability. The system builds upon the advanced sensor suite of the Driver Assistance Package, incorporating additional sensors deemed crucial for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. Vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT also feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. This critical redundancy ensures maneuverability and safe handover to the driver even in the unlikely event of a system failure. Such comprehensive safety measures reinforce the trustworthiness and reliability inherent in driving a Mercedes with DRIVE PILOT.
The Road Ahead: Expanding the Horizons of Automated Driving
Mercedes-Benz envisions a future where driving a Mercedes is synonymous with seamless automation and enhanced safety. The current DRIVE PILOT system is a stepping stone towards achieving SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving at speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h). Future iterations will incorporate even greater sensor redundancy to meet Mercedes-Benz’s uncompromising safety benchmarks. To realize this ambitious vision, Mercedes-Benz is strategically collaborating with industry leaders like NVIDIA and Luminar, complementing its existing partnerships with other pioneering technology companies. The California certification of SAE Level 3 marks a monumental stride for automated driving, and these strategic partnerships will undoubtedly propel Mercedes-Benz’s ambitions for the future of driving a Mercedes and beyond.
