Mercedes-Benz has officially announced a groundbreaking achievement, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the United States for its SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system, DRIVE PILOT. This pioneering technology marks a significant step forward in the realm of autonomous vehicles, allowing drivers to relinquish control under specific conditions and engage in secondary activities.
The production-ready 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 capabilities, will introduce DRIVE PILOT: First Class. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer availability in early 2024, offering DRIVE PILOT in MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in these states.
This landmark achievement positions Mercedes-Benz as a global leader in automated driving technology, bringing Level 3 automation to US customers in a standard-production vehicle for the first time. California and Nevada have taken the lead in regulatory approval, certifying the system for use on major freeways, paving the way for Mercedes-Benz to explore further expansion into other US markets as regulations evolve.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the safety and sophistication 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, based on redundancy with diverse sensor types, underscores our commitment to safety as a core Mercedes-Benz value. We firmly believe redundancy is crucial for safe Level 3 and higher automated driving. Responsible implementation of this technology is our paramount priority and essential for gaining 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 revolution and a remarkable leap in conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system reinforces our dedication to leading in both safety and technology, while providing our customers with the invaluable gift of time during congested traffic scenarios.”
DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving Explained
DRIVE PILOT is engineered to assume the dynamic driving task in heavy traffic or congested freeway situations at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections. Once activated, the system manages speed, distance, and lane keeping autonomously. A key feature of DRIVE PILOT is that it allows drivers to engage in permissible secondary activities on the vehicle’s central display, functions that are typically restricted while driving manually.
Safety is paramount in the design of DRIVE PILOT. Building upon the advanced sensor technology of Mercedes-Benz Driver Assistance Package, DRIVE PILOT incorporates additional, critical sensors for safe conditionally automated driving. These include:
- LiDAR: Providing a high-resolution 3D map of the environment.
- Rear Window Camera: Offering an extended rearward view.
- Microphones: Detecting emergency vehicle sirens.
- Road Wetness Sensor: Located in the wheel well to assess road conditions.
Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT-equipped vehicles feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are crucial safety measures, ensuring vehicle maneuverability and enabling a safe handover back to the driver even if a system component fails.
DRIVE PILOT will be available as a subscription service through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store for select EQS and S-Class models, starting at $2,500, with further subscription options to be announced. This subscription model allows customers to stay informed about system capabilities at activation and provides flexibility, especially for those who may relocate to areas where Level 3 functionality is not available.
High-Precision Technology Powers DRIVE PILOT
DRIVE PILOT relies on an exceptionally precise positioning system, significantly more advanced than conventional GPS. It can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, a digital HD map provides a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road and surroundings. This map encompasses road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction.
The HD map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, with each vehicle also storing a local copy for constant comparison and updates, ensuring the system operates with the most current information.
The Future of Automated Driving and Regulatory Considerations
Mercedes-Benz is proactively addressing the social and ethical implications of automated driving. To visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is active, Mercedes-Benz has developed distinctive turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 standards). While a national regulatory framework for these lights is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to adapt and refine DRIVE PILOT in accordance with evolving standards.
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes its commitment to legal compliance for all new technologies deployed on public roads. A dedicated interdisciplinary team ensures that traffic regulations are meticulously translated into software for DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz adheres to NHTSA guidelines for ADS-equipped vehicles, ensuring responsible and legally sound operation.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Atlanta, manages distribution, marketing, and customer service for Mercedes-Benz products across the United States. Offering a diverse luxury lineup from SUVs to flagship sedans and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family, Mercedes-Benz continues to innovate and lead in the automotive landscape.
