Mercedes-Benz has achieved a landmark victory, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the U.S. for deployment of a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This groundbreaking achievement signifies a major leap forward for Mercedes Benz Autonomous Car technology, bringing the future of driving closer to reality. The production-ready version of their innovative DRIVE PILOT system is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023, initially with a limited fleet of EQS Sedans equipped with Level 3 capabilities. Broader customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models are planned for early 2024, available through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in these pioneering states.
This pioneering system allows the vehicle to manage the dynamic driving task under specific conditions, freeing the driver to engage in secondary activities while the car is in control. This marks Mercedes-Benz as the first automotive manufacturer globally to introduce such a system in a standard production vehicle for U.S. customers, once again establishing their leadership in automotive innovation. Initially approved for use on major freeways in California and Nevada, Mercedes-Benz aims to expand the availability of this revolutionary technology to other U.S. markets as regulatory frameworks evolve.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated and redundant system architecture, incorporating diverse sensor technologies, underscores our commitment to safety – a core value at Mercedes-Benz. We firmly believe that redundancy is paramount for safe Level 3 and beyond automated driving. Our responsible approach to this technology is key to fostering customer and societal 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 an incredible stride towards conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system reinforces our dedication to leading in both safety and technology, while offering our customers the invaluable gift of time back during congested traffic scenarios.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: A Level 3 Autonomous System
DRIVE PILOT is defined as a SAE Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving. This means that under specific parameters, the system can assume full control of driving. Specifically, DRIVE PILOT is designed to operate on suitable freeway sections at speeds up to 40 mph, particularly effective in high-density traffic situations. Once activated by the driver, DRIVE PILOT takes over speed and distance regulation, and lane keeping. A significant benefit of this conditionally automated mode is that it unlocks access to certain applications on the vehicle’s central display that are normally restricted while driving, offering occupants more options for productivity or entertainment.
Mercedes-Benz places paramount importance on safety in this innovation. DRIVE PILOT builds upon the advanced sensor technology already present in the Driver Assistance Package, and augments it with critical additional sensors deemed essential for safe conditionally automated driving. These enhancements include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor integrated into the wheel well. For enhanced safety and reliability, vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT feature redundant steering and braking actuators, as well as a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are crucial to maintaining vehicle maneuverability and ensuring a safe transition back to driver control should the system encounter limitations or require driver intervention.
DRIVE PILOT will be available for select EQS and S-Class models via subscription through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, starting at $2,500, with further subscription options to be announced. The subscription model reflects the advanced and evolving nature of the software, ensuring customers are fully informed about the system’s capabilities at activation. This approach also provides flexibility, allowing customers to adapt their subscription based on their driving needs and location, particularly if access to Level 3 enabled freeways changes.
The Technology Powering DRIVE PILOT
Operating DRIVE PILOT relies on a highly sophisticated and 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, which provides a three-dimensional representation of the road and surrounding environment. This HD map is enriched with data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, creating a comprehensive and constantly updated view. The map data includes detailed information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction zones. This data is stored in backend data centers and continuously updated, with each vehicle also maintaining a local copy that is regularly compared and updated, ensuring the system operates with the most current information available.
Looking Towards the Future of Mercedes-Benz Autonomous Cars
Mercedes-Benz is proactively considering the societal and ethical implications of automated driving development. To enhance clarity and communication, Mercedes-Benz has developed special turquoise colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 Recommended Practice). These lights are designed to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged, informing other road users of the vehicle’s automated status. While a national regulatory framework for implementing this technology is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to adapt and evolve DRIVE PILOT in accordance with emerging standards.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to ensuring all new technologies are legally compliant. An interdisciplinary team of experts in technology, law, ethics, certification, and safety has been integral to the DRIVE PILOT development process, translating traffic regulations into robust software. Mercedes-Benz adheres to all provisions outlined in the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS equipped vehicles, ensuring responsible and legally sound deployment of this groundbreaking mercedes benz autonomous car technology.
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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.
- 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.
- Which secondary activities of the driver are legally permissible depends on the respective national or state road traffic regulations.
