Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the U.S. for a conditionally automated driving system, SAE Level 3. This pioneering technology, known as DRIVE PILOT, allows drivers to relinquish control of the dynamic driving task under certain conditions, marking a significant step forward in the realm of Mercedes Self Driving capabilities.
The production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023. Initially, a limited fleet of EQS Sedans equipped with Level 3 technology will be available, branded as DRIVE PILOT: First Class. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer deliveries in early 2024, offering DRIVE PILOT in MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in California and Nevada.
This landmark achievement positions Mercedes-Benz as a global leader in automated driving, bringing the world’s first and only internationally certified system for conditionally automated driving to U.S. customers in a standard production vehicle. California and Nevada have taken the lead in regulatory approval, certifying DRIVE PILOT for use on major freeways. Mercedes-Benz aims to extend the availability of this innovative mercedes self driving technology to additional U.S. states as regulatory frameworks evolve.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the critical role of redundancy in ensuring safe automated driving: “DRIVE PILOT is engineered with a sophisticated system architecture based on redundancy with many different sensor types… Responsible handling of this technology is our top priority and the key to acceptance among customers and in society.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlights the transformative nature of DRIVE PILOT: “DRIVE PILOT is a technological game changer and incredible leap forward in the pursuit of conditionally automated driving. This ground-breaking system reinforces our intention to lead in safety and technology, while giving precious time back to our customers during heavy traffic situations.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: Mercedes-Benz Level 3 Self Driving System
DRIVE PILOT represents a cutting-edge SAE Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving. This advanced technology empowers the vehicle to manage the dynamic driving task at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections, particularly in high-density traffic. Once activated, the mercedes self driving system takes charge of speed and distance, smoothly maintaining the vehicle within its lane. A key benefit of DRIVE PILOT is that it unlocks certain applications on the vehicle’s central display, otherwise restricted during manual driving, allowing drivers to utilize their time more effectively when the system is engaged.
Safety is paramount in the design of DRIVE PILOT. Building upon the existing Driver Assistance Package, this mercedes self driving innovation incorporates additional sensors crucial for safe, conditionally automated operation. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicles, and a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. Furthermore, vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are critical safety features, ensuring vehicle maneuverability and enabling a safe handover back to the driver if necessary.
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select EQS and S-Class models through a subscription service in the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, starting at $2,500. This subscription model provides customers with flexibility, allowing them to activate the mercedes self driving feature as needed and ensuring they are fully informed about the system’s capabilities at the time of activation. The subscription approach also accommodates software advancements and allows customers to adapt their usage based on location and driving needs.
The High-Precision Technology Behind Mercedes Self Driving
Operating DRIVE PILOT relies on a highly sophisticated and precise positioning system, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional GPS. This system accurately pinpoints the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this positioning system is a digital HD map, providing a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings. This map incorporates data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, and includes information on road geometry, traffic signs, route characteristics, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or construction zones. The HD map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, with each vehicle also storing a local copy for constant comparison and updates, ensuring the mercedes self driving system operates with the most current information.
The Future of Mercedes Self Driving and Regulatory Considerations
Mercedes-Benz is proactively shaping the future of automated driving, integrating social and ethical considerations into its development process. To enhance transparency and awareness, Mercedes-Benz has developed turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 Recommended Practice) to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is active. While a national regulatory framework for such visual indicators is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to adapt and refine the DRIVE PILOT system architecture in accordance with evolving standards.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to ensuring that all new technologies deployed on public roads fully comply with regulatory requirements. A dedicated interdisciplinary team of experts has meticulously translated traffic regulations into software for DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz adheres to the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS-equipped vehicles, ensuring legal compliance and responsible deployment of its pioneering mercedes self driving technology.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
1 SAE Level 3: the automated driving function takes over certain driving tasks. However, the driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times when prompted to intervene by the vehicle.
2 Which secondary activities of the driver are legally permissible depends on the respective national or state road traffic regulations.
