Mercedes-Benz is making waves in the automotive industry by becoming the first automaker to receive U.S. state approval for a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. Their innovative DRIVE PILOT system is set to redefine the driving experience, allowing drivers to engage in secondary activities while the car manages the dynamic driving task under specific conditions. This groundbreaking technology is poised 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. Further expansion is planned for early 2024, bringing DRIVE PILOT to MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in these pioneering states.
This landmark achievement positions Mercedes-Benz as a global leader in automated driving technology, marking the introduction of the first and only internationally certified system for conditionally automated driving in a standard production vehicle for U.S. customers. Initially approved for use on major freeways in California and Nevada, Mercedes-Benz has ambitions to broaden the availability of this revolutionary technology to additional U.S. markets as regulatory landscapes evolve.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the safety-centric approach: “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: A Level 3 Conditionally Automated System
DRIVE PILOT represents a significant advancement in driving automation. Classified as a SAE Level 3 system, it empowers the vehicle to assume dynamic driving tasks at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections, particularly in dense traffic. Once activated by the driver, this Mercedes-Benz autopilot car system takes command of speed and distance, seamlessly maintaining lane position. A key benefit during conditionally automated driving is the ability for drivers to utilize certain applications on the vehicle’s central display that are typically restricted while driving, offering a new dimension of in-car experience.
Mercedes-Benz has prioritized safety in the development of DRIVE PILOT, integrating a comprehensive suite of technologies. Building upon the Driver Assistance Package, DRIVE PILOT incorporates additional critical sensors for safe conditional automation. These include LiDAR for precise environmental mapping, a rear window camera for enhanced situational awareness, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor within the wheel well. Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT equipped vehicles feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system, ensuring continued maneuverability and safe handover to the driver even in the event of system failures.
High-Precision Technology Behind Mercedes-Benz Autopilot
The operational accuracy of DRIVE PILOT hinges on a highly sophisticated positioning system, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional GPS. This system achieves centimeter-level precision, pinpointing the vehicle’s location with remarkable accuracy. Complementing this, a digital HD map provides a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road and surrounding environment, compiled from anonymized data gathered by LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. This HD map is continuously updated with information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction zones, ensuring DRIVE PILOT operates with the most current and precise data available. The map data is stored in backend data centers and mirrored on-board each vehicle, allowing for constant comparison and local dataset updates as needed.
DRIVE PILOT Availability and Subscription Model
DRIVE PILOT will be offered initially on select Mercedes-Benz EQS and S-Class models. Access to this cutting-edge technology will be through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, activated via a subscription model starting at $2,500, with further subscription options to be announced. This subscription-based approach ensures customers are fully informed about the system’s capabilities at the point of activation. It also provides flexibility, allowing customers to adapt their subscription based on their individual needs, such as geographical location and access to Level 3 enabled freeways.
The Future of Automated Driving at Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is proactively shaping the future of automated driving, emphasizing both technological advancement and responsible implementation. The company is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to advocate for a unified national regulatory framework that can facilitate the broader adoption of technologies like DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz has even developed special turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged, although national regulatory implementation is still pending. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to not only technological innovation but also to the ethical and societal considerations surrounding automated driving.
Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT is more than just an autopilot car feature; it’s a significant step towards a future where driving is safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. As the first automaker to bring Level 3 conditionally automated driving to the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz is driving innovation and setting new benchmarks for the automotive industry.
