Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the United States for a production-ready SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This landmark achievement positions Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of self-driving technology and marks a significant step forward for autonomous vehicles in the U.S. market. The innovative system, known as DRIVE PILOT, allows drivers to relinquish dynamic driving tasks under specific conditions, offering them a new level of convenience and potentially transforming their driving experience.
The production version of DRIVE PILOT is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023. Initially, a limited fleet of EQS Sedans equipped with Level 3 technology will be available under the program “DRIVE PILOT: First Class.” Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer availability in early 2024, offering DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in the same states. This phased rollout allows Mercedes-Benz to carefully introduce and monitor this advanced technology in real-world driving conditions.
DRIVE PILOT: Redefining Conditionally Automated Driving
DRIVE PILOT is classified as an SAE Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving. This means that under specific parameters, the system can manage the dynamic driving task. Critically, however, the driver must remain alert and capable of retaking control when prompted by the vehicle. Despite this conditional automation, DRIVE PILOT represents a significant leap beyond current Level 2 systems, which only offer driver assistance features requiring constant driver supervision.
Once activated, DRIVE PILOT takes over speed and distance control, smoothly navigating the vehicle within its lane. This functionality is designed for use on suitable freeway sections and in heavy traffic conditions at speeds up to 40 mph. A key benefit of DRIVE PILOT is that it frees up the driver to engage in permissible secondary activities on the vehicle’s central display, activities that are typically blocked while driving. This offers a tangible benefit to drivers stuck in congested traffic, turning previously unproductive commute time into potentially usable moments.
Uncompromising Safety: The Foundation of Mercedes-Benz Self Driving
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that safety is paramount in the development and deployment of DRIVE PILOT. The system is engineered with a sophisticated architecture built upon redundancy across various sensor types. This redundancy is considered crucial for ensuring safe and reliable conditionally automated driving at Level 3 and beyond.
DRIVE PILOT builds upon the already comprehensive sensor suite of Mercedes-Benz’s Driver Assistance Package. It incorporates additional, critical components for safe Level 3 operation, including:
- LiDAR: Provides precise environmental mapping and object detection, even in challenging conditions.
- Rear Window Camera: Offers an additional layer of visual monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Microphones: Specifically designed to detect emergency vehicle sirens, allowing the system to react appropriately.
- Road Wetness Sensor: Located in the wheel well, this sensor provides vital data on road surface conditions, influencing system behavior.
Beyond these advanced sensors, DRIVE PILOT-equipped vehicles feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant onboard electrical system. These redundancies are engineered to maintain vehicle maneuverability and ensure a safe transition back to driver control even if a primary system component fails.
High-Precision Positioning: The Core Technology
Operating DRIVE PILOT effectively requires an extremely precise understanding of the vehicle’s location. Mercedes-Benz has implemented a high-precision positioning system that far surpasses traditional GPS in accuracy. This system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches.
Complementing this precise positioning is a digital HD map. This map provides a three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings, incorporating data on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction zones. The HD map data is continuously updated via backend data centers and is also stored onboard the vehicle, ensuring system robustness and reliability. The vehicle constantly compares its local map data with the backend information, updating as necessary to maintain accuracy.
Subscription Model and Future Expansion
DRIVE PILOT will be offered via subscription through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, initially for EQS and S-Class models, starting at $2,500. This subscription model allows customers to access the technology as needed and provides flexibility. For instance, if a customer moves to an area where Level 3 driving is not supported, they can choose not to renew their subscription.
Mercedes-Benz intends to expand the availability of DRIVE PILOT to additional U.S. markets in the future as regulatory frameworks evolve and further state approvals are granted. The company is actively engaged in discussions with various state and federal agencies to facilitate the broader adoption of this groundbreaking technology.
Ethical Considerations and Regulatory Compliance
Mercedes-Benz recognizes the societal and ethical implications of automated driving. The company emphasizes responsible development and deployment of these technologies. As part of this commitment, Mercedes-Benz has developed special turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged, enhancing transparency and awareness for other road users. While a national regulatory framework for these marker lights is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is proactively working towards standardization and broader implementation.
Mercedes-Benz underscores its commitment to legal compliance. An interdisciplinary team of experts ensured that DRIVE PILOT adheres to all relevant traffic regulations and NHTSA guidelines for ADS-equipped vehicles. This rigorous approach ensures that Mercedes-Benz self driving technology operates safely and responsibly within the existing legal framework.
With the introduction of DRIVE PILOT, Mercedes-Benz not only reinforces its position as a leader in automotive innovation but also pioneers a new era of driving, where technology enhances safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience. The U.S. launch of DRIVE PILOT is a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz and for the future of self-driving technology in the automotive industry.
