Mercedes-Benz has officially announced a groundbreaking achievement, becoming the first automaker to receive U.S. state approval for a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system – DRIVE PILOT. This innovative technology is set to redefine the driving experience, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive technology and what it means for drivers in California and Nevada.
What is DRIVE PILOT and Why Level 3 Automation Matters?
DRIVE PILOT is Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge system for “conditionally automated driving.” This isn’t just another driver assistance feature; it’s a significant leap towards autonomous driving. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines Level 3 automation as “conditional driving automation,” meaning the vehicle can perform all aspects of the driving task under certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to intervene when prompted.
Unlike Level 2 systems which require constant driver supervision, DRIVE PILOT takes over the dynamic driving task in specific situations, allowing the driver to engage in “secondary activities.” Imagine being stuck in heavy traffic on your daily commute and being able to legally check emails or watch a video on the vehicle’s central display – DRIVE PILOT makes this a reality.
Key Features of Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT
The production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT is scheduled to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023 with a limited fleet of Level 3 equipped EQS Sedans, branded as DRIVE PILOT: First Class. Following this initial rollout, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in these states in early 2024.
Here are some key features that set DRIVE PILOT apart:
- Conditionally Automated Driving up to 40 mph: DRIVE PILOT can manage the driving task at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections, particularly in high-density traffic.
- Effortless Lane Keeping, Speed, and Distance Control: Once activated, the system intelligently controls the vehicle’s speed and distance from other vehicles, while keeping it firmly within its lane.
- Enabling Secondary Activities: A major advantage of Level 3 automation is that it frees up the driver’s attention. While DRIVE PILOT is engaged, drivers can utilize certain applications on the vehicle’s central display that are typically blocked during driving. This transforms previously unproductive commute time into valuable moments for other tasks (where legally permissible).
- Subscription-Based Availability: DRIVE PILOT will be offered through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store via a subscription model for S-Class and EQS Sedan models, starting at $2,500. This subscription model provides flexibility for customers, allowing them to activate the feature as needed and manage costs based on their usage and location.
Safety First: The Redundancy and Sensors Behind DRIVE PILOT
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes safety as paramount in the development of DRIVE PILOT. The system builds upon the existing Driver Assistance Package and incorporates additional sensors deemed crucial for safe, conditionally automated driving. These include:
- LiDAR: Provides a highly detailed 3D environmental model, enhancing the vehicle’s perception capabilities.
- Rear Window Camera: Adds an extra layer of visual monitoring of the surroundings.
- Microphones: Specifically designed to detect emergency vehicle sirens, ensuring timely responses to critical situations.
- Road Wetness Sensor: Located in the wheel well, this sensor detects road wetness and adjusts driving behavior accordingly.
Beyond sensors, DRIVE PILOT incorporates critical redundancies in key vehicle systems:
- Redundant Steering and Braking Actuators: Ensures continued maneuverability and control even if one system component fails.
- Redundant On-board Electrical System: Maintains operational capability in case of electrical system issues.
These redundancies are engineered to ensure a safe and reliable handover back to the driver if the system reaches its limits or encounters situations requiring driver intervention.
High-Precision Positioning for Reliable Operation
DRIVE PILOT relies on a significantly more advanced positioning system than standard GPS. This high-precision system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches, providing exceptional accuracy for automated driving functions. Complementing this is a digital HD map, which provides a three-dimensional representation of the road and surroundings. This map data includes:
- Road geometry
- Route characteristics
- Traffic signs
- Information about special traffic events (accidents, road work)
This HD map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, and each vehicle also stores a local copy, ensuring consistent and reliable information for DRIVE PILOT’s operation.
Looking to the Future of Automated Driving
Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in shaping the future of automated driving, including considerations for social and ethical implications. One example of this forward-thinking approach is the development of turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights. These lights, based on SAE standards, would visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged to inform other road users. While a national regulatory framework for these lights is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is proactively working with agencies to advance these standards.
The launch of DRIVE PILOT in the U.S. marks a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz and the automotive industry as a whole. It represents a significant step towards a future where driving is not only safer and more convenient but also more adaptable to the evolving needs and expectations of drivers. As Mercedes-Benz continues to refine and expand the availability of DRIVE PILOT, the promise of truly automated driving becomes increasingly tangible.
