Mercedes-Benz has achieved a landmark as the first automaker to secure U.S. state approval for deploying a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant leap forward in autonomous driving technology and positions Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of automotive innovation. The production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT, Mercedes-Benz’s innovative system, is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023, initially in a limited fleet of Level 3 equipped EQS Sedans. Wider customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models are planned for early 2024 through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in these states.
This pioneering system, known as DRIVE PILOT, empowers the vehicle to manage the dynamic driving task under specific conditions, allowing drivers to engage in secondary activities. This conditional automation provides a unique blend of safety and convenience, redefining the driving experience. Mercedes-Benz plans to offer DRIVE PILOT via a subscription service through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store for compatible S-Class and EQS Sedan models, providing flexibility and access to this cutting-edge technology.
California and Nevada have emerged as the first states to approve and certify DRIVE PILOT for use on major freeways, recognizing its advanced safety and technological sophistication. While current regulations vary across states, Mercedes-Benz is committed to expanding the availability of DRIVE PILOT to additional U.S. markets in the future, as regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate this innovative technology.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the significance of DRIVE PILOT: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated system architecture, built on redundancy with diverse sensor types, is paramount for safe Level 3 and beyond automated driving. At Mercedes-Benz, safety is a core value, and our responsible approach to this technology is key to fostering customer and societal trust.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlights the transformative nature of DRIVE PILOT: “DRIVE PILOT represents a technological game changer and a remarkable advancement in conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system underscores our commitment to leading in both safety and technology, while providing our customers with valuable time back during congested traffic scenarios.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving
DRIVE PILOT is engineered as a SAE Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving. This advanced technology enables the Mercedes-Benz vehicle to assume control of the dynamic driving task at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections, particularly in high-density traffic. Upon activation, DRIVE PILOT expertly manages speed and distance, seamlessly keeping the vehicle within its lane. A key feature of DRIVE PILOT is the ability to enable specific applications on the vehicle’s central display that are typically restricted during manual driving, offering drivers new possibilities for utilizing their time in conditionally automated mode.
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety in the development and implementation of DRIVE PILOT. The system builds upon the robust vehicle sensing technology of the Driver Assistance Package and incorporates additional, critical sensors deemed essential for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones designed to detect emergency vehicles, and a road wetness sensor located in the wheel well. Vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT also 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 should one of the primary systems encounter a failure.
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select Mercedes-Benz EQS and S-Class models and activated through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store. The activation will initially be priced starting at $2,500, with details on additional subscription options to be announced later. This activation model ensures that customers are fully informed about the system’s capabilities at the point of Level 3 activation, given the advanced nature of the technology. The subscription-based approach also provides customers with flexibility, allowing them to tailor their access to DRIVE PILOT based on their individual needs and location, especially considering the evolving availability of Level 3 enabled freeways across different regions.
Precision and Technology Behind DRIVE PILOT
DRIVE PILOT relies on a high-precision positioning system that significantly surpasses conventional GPS in accuracy. This system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this precise positioning is a comprehensive suite of sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, which gather anonymized data about the vehicle’s surroundings. This sensor data is combined with a digital HD map providing a three-dimensional representation of the road and environment. The HD map contains detailed information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or construction zones. This map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, and each DRIVE PILOT equipped vehicle maintains a local copy, constantly comparing and updating it with the backend data to ensure the most current and accurate information is utilized for safe and reliable conditionally automated driving.
Looking Towards the Future of Autonomous Driving
Mercedes-Benz is committed to the ethical and societal implications of automated driving development. To enhance transparency and awareness, Mercedes-Benz has developed unique 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 in the U.S. for implementing this technology is still developing, Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies. The company is prepared to further adapt the DRIVE PILOT system architecture in accordance with emerging defined standards, demonstrating a proactive and collaborative approach to shaping the future of autonomous driving regulations.
Compliance and Responsibility on the Road
Mercedes-Benz underscores its commitment to ensuring that all new technologies deployed on public roads fully comply with regulatory requirements. An interdisciplinary team of experts spanning technical, legal, ethical, certification, and safety domains collaborated throughout the development process of DRIVE PILOT. This team meticulously translated traffic regulations into software functionalities. Mercedes-Benz is dedicated to adhering to the provisions outlined in the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS equipped vehicles, ensuring responsible and legally compliant operation of DRIVE PILOT technology.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, manages the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products within the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse range of luxury vehicles, from sporty SUVs to flagship sedans and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. MBUSA also oversees Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
1 SAE Level 3: The automated driving function assumes control of certain driving tasks. However, the driver must remain ready to take over vehicle control at any time when prompted by the system.
2 The legality of permissible secondary activities for the driver is subject to specific national or state road traffic regulations.
