Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the U.S. for deploying a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This pioneering technology, known as DRIVE PILOT, allows the vehicle to manage the dynamic driving tasks under specific conditions, granting drivers the freedom to engage in secondary activities. The production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023 with a limited fleet of Level 3 equipped EQS Sedans. Further expansion is planned for early 2024 with customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in these states.
This landmark achievement positions Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of self-driving car technology, marking a significant leap towards the future of mobility. California and Nevada have emerged as the initial states to authorize the system’s use on major freeways, recognizing the rigorous safety standards and innovative engineering behind DRIVE PILOT. While regulatory frameworks vary across states, Mercedes-Benz is committed to expanding the availability of this revolutionary self-driving feature to additional U.S. markets in the future.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the importance of redundancy in their self-driving system: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. It is engineered with a sophisticated system architecture based on redundancy with many different sensor types. I strongly believe that redundancy is key for safe automated driving for level 3 and beyond. Safety is one of Mercedes-Benz core values. 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’s Conditionally Automated Driving System
DRIVE PILOT represents a significant advancement in self-driving technology, classified as a SAE Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving. This innovative system empowers the vehicle to assume dynamic driving tasks at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections, particularly in high-density traffic scenarios. Once engaged, DRIVE PILOT takes command of speed and distance regulation, seamlessly guiding the Mercedes-Benz within its lane. A key benefit of this self-driving feature is that it allows drivers to attend to permissible secondary activities on the vehicle’s central display, which are typically restricted during manual driving.
Safety is paramount in the development and deployment of DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz has engineered this self-driving system with robust operational reliability. It builds upon the advanced sensor technology of the Driver Assistance Package and incorporates additional critical sensors. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones for detecting emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor integrated into the wheel well. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz self-driving vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are crucial for maintaining vehicle maneuverability and ensuring a safe transition back to driver control 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 allows customers to experience the cutting-edge self-driving capabilities of Mercedes-Benz while providing flexibility based on their individual needs and location.
High-Precision Technology for Self-Driving Mercedes Operation
Operating DRIVE PILOT effectively relies on an exceptionally precise positioning system, far exceeding the accuracy of conventional GPS. This system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this precise positioning is a digital HD map providing a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road and surrounding environment. This map is enriched with data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, creating a comprehensive sensor suite for the self-driving system. The HD map includes critical information such as road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction zones. This map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, and each vehicle maintains a local copy, ensuring consistent and reliable self-driving operation.
The Future of Self-Driving Mercedes and Regulatory Considerations
Mercedes-Benz is proactively addressing the social and ethical dimensions of self-driving technology development. 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 evolving in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to adapt and align DRIVE PILOT with emerging standards.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to ensuring its self-driving technology adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements. A dedicated interdisciplinary team of experts meticulously translates traffic regulations into software, ensuring compliance with NHTSA guidelines for ADS-equipped vehicles. As the landscape of self-driving regulations continues to evolve, Mercedes-Benz remains dedicated to shaping the future of safe and responsible self-driving mobility.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, manages the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse luxury vehicle lineup, including SUVs, sedans, and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. Mercedes-Benz Vans are also under MBUSA’s responsibility in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
Note: SAE Level 3 automation requires the driver to be ready to take control when prompted by the vehicle.
Secondary activities permissible while using DRIVE PILOT are subject to national and state traffic regulations.
