Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the United States for a conditionally automated driving system, SAE Level 3. This pioneering technology, known as DRIVE PILOT, allows drivers to relinquish control of the vehicle under specific conditions, marking a significant leap towards the era of Driverless Mercedes vehicles. The German luxury car manufacturer is set to roll out this innovative system in California and Nevada, initially with a limited fleet of EQS sedans equipped with DRIVE PILOT, paving the way for broader availability in the near future.
Later in early 2024, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT-equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in California and Nevada. This rollout signifies not only a technological advancement but also a regulatory triumph, as California and Nevada are the first states to certify the system for use on their major freeways. While current approval is limited to these states, Mercedes-Benz has expressed intentions to broaden the availability of this revolutionary technology to additional US markets as regulatory frameworks evolve nationwide.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated architecture, built upon redundancy across various sensor types, underscores our commitment to safety – a core Mercedes-Benz value. We believe redundancy is paramount for safe Level 3 and beyond automated driving, and responsible technology handling is key to public and customer acceptance.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative nature of DRIVE PILOT: “DRIVE PILOT represents a technological game changer and a monumental step forward in conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system reinforces our dedication to leading in both safety and technology, ultimately giving our customers back valuable time during congested traffic situations.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving
DRIVE PILOT is engineered as a SAE Level 3 system, meaning it can manage the dynamic driving task under specific parameters. Specifically, on suitable freeway sections and in dense traffic, DRIVE PILOT can take over control at speeds up to 40 mph. Once activated by the driver, the system manages speed, distance from other vehicles, and lane keeping, effectively handling the driving task within its operational boundaries. This conditional automation frees the driver to engage in permissible secondary activities on the vehicle’s central display, activities that are typically restricted while manually driving.
The foundation of DRIVE PILOT is built upon the existing Driver Assistance Package in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, augmented by a suite of additional, critical sensors. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, and microphones designed to detect emergency vehicle sirens. A road wetness sensor in the wheel well further enhances the system’s awareness of environmental conditions. To ensure operational integrity and safety, vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant onboard electrical system. These redundancies are crucial for maintaining vehicle maneuverability and facilitating a safe and reliable handover of control back to the driver when necessary.
Precision and Availability: DRIVE PILOT Rollout and Subscription
DRIVE PILOT relies on an exceptionally precise positioning system, significantly more advanced than conventional GPS. This system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this, a high-definition (HD) digital map provides a three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings, incorporating data on road geometry, traffic signs, route characteristics, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or construction zones. This HD map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, with each vehicle also storing a local copy that is constantly compared and updated.
DRIVE PILOT will be available for select EQS and S-Class models in California and Nevada. Activation will be managed through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, initially offered as a subscription starting at $2,500. This subscription model allows customers to engage with Level 3 automation and provides flexibility, particularly for those who may relocate to areas where DRIVE PILOT functionality is not available. Mercedes-Benz has indicated that further subscription options and details will be announced at a later date.
The Future of Driverless Technology and Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is actively shaping the future of automated driving, integrating ethical and societal considerations into its development process. The company has even developed distinctive turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights, based on SAE standards, to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged. While a national regulatory framework for such visual indicators is still under development in the US, Mercedes-Benz is proactively engaging with state and federal agencies to adapt and refine DRIVE PILOT in accordance with evolving standards.
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes legal compliance as a cornerstone of its technological innovation. An interdisciplinary team of experts ensures that DRIVE PILOT adheres to all regulatory requirements, translating traffic laws into sophisticated software. Mercedes-Benz is committed to full compliance with NHTSA guidelines governing ADS-equipped vehicles.
With the launch of DRIVE PILOT, Mercedes-Benz is not just introducing a new feature; it is ushering in a new era of driving. The driverless Mercedes is no longer a concept of the distant future but a tangible reality on US roads, starting with California and Nevada, promising a safer, more relaxed, and technologically advanced driving experience.
