Mercedes-Benz has officially become the first automaker to receive state approval in the United States for a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in the realm of autonomous vehicles and reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge automotive technology, specifically in Mercedes Benz Self Driving capabilities. The innovative DRIVE PILOT system is poised to redefine the driving experience, initially launching in California and Nevada by late 2023.
The production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT, branded as DRIVE PILOT: First Class, will debut on a limited fleet of EQS Sedans equipped with Level 3 technology in California and Nevada later this year. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer availability in early 2024, offering DRIVE PILOT on MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in the same states. This groundbreaking system allows drivers to relinquish dynamic driving tasks to the vehicle under specific conditions, granting them the freedom to engage in permissible secondary activities while on suitable freeway sections.
California and Nevada are the pioneering states in the U.S. to greenlight the DRIVE PILOT system, recognizing its potential and issuing the necessary certifications for freeway usage. While the regulatory landscape for autonomous driving varies across states, Mercedes-Benz is actively working to extend the availability of this revolutionary mercedes benz self driving technology to additional markets within the United States in the near future.
“DRIVE PILOT is not just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift in driving,” stated Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer. “It’s the world’s first and only conditionally automated driving system with internationally valid type approval. Our sophisticated system architecture, built on redundancy across various sensor types, is paramount to ensuring the safety of mercedes benz self driving. Safety is a core Mercedes-Benz value, and responsible deployment of this technology is our utmost priority.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, echoed this sentiment, adding, “DRIVE PILOT represents a technological game-changer, an incredible leap towards realizing the full potential of conditionally automated driving. This pioneering system underscores our dedication to leading in both safety and technology, while simultaneously offering our customers the invaluable gift of time back during congested traffic scenarios. This mercedes benz self driving feature is truly transformative.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: A Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving System
DRIVE PILOT is an SAE Level 3 system, signifying “conditional driving automation.” This means that under specific parameters, the mercedes benz self driving system can manage the dynamic driving task. When activated on suitable freeway sections experiencing high traffic density, DRIVE PILOT takes command, controlling the vehicle’s speed, maintaining distance from other vehicles, and ensuring lane-keeping at speeds up to 40 mph.
A key benefit of DRIVE PILOT is the allowance of certain secondary activities for the driver when the system is engaged. The vehicle’s integrated central display unlocks functionalities that are typically restricted during manual driving, offering occupants the opportunity to utilize their travel time more effectively, provided these activities are legally permissible according to regional traffic regulations.
Safety is ingrained in the design of this mercedes benz self driving innovation. DRIVE PILOT is engineered with rigorous operational reliability standards. It leverages the existing sensor technology from Mercedes-Benz’s Driver Assistance Package and incorporates additional, crucial sensors for safe conditional automation. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor integrated into the wheel well. Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT-equipped vehicles feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are critical for maintaining vehicle control and ensuring a secure handover back to the driver in the unlikely event of a system malfunction.
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select EQS and S-Class models in California and Nevada via a subscription model through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store. The activation will initially be priced starting at $2,500, with further subscription options to be announced. This activation approach ensures customers are fully informed about the system’s capabilities and limitations at the point of Level 3 activation. The subscription model also offers flexibility, allowing customers to adapt their access to mercedes benz self driving features based on their individual needs and location, particularly if they relocate to areas where Level 3 enabled freeways are not available.
Precision and Mapping: The Backbone of DRIVE PILOT
Operating DRIVE PILOT effectively relies on an exceptionally precise positioning system, far surpassing the capabilities of conventional GPS. This system can pinpoint the Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s location within inches. In conjunction with anonymized data gathered from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, a high-definition (HD) digital map creates a comprehensive three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings.
This HD map encompasses detailed information regarding road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or construction zones. The map data is continuously updated and stored in backend data centers, with each vehicle also maintaining a local copy that is constantly synchronized with the backend to ensure the most current and accurate information for mercedes benz self driving operation.
The Future Trajectory of Mercedes-Benz Self-Driving Technology
Mercedes-Benz is proactively addressing the societal and ethical dimensions of automated driving development. Recognizing the importance of transparency, they have developed special turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 standards) to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is actively engaged. While a national regulatory framework in the U.S. for these lights is still under development, Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to facilitate the standardization and implementation of such technologies. The company remains committed to adapting the DRIVE PILOT system architecture in accordance with evolving regulatory standards to ensure seamless and legally compliant mercedes benz self driving functionality.
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes legal compliance as a cornerstone of its technological advancements. A dedicated interdisciplinary team comprising technical, legal, ethical, certification, and safety experts collaborated throughout the DRIVE PILOT development process, translating complex traffic regulations into robust software. Mercedes-Benz adheres to all provisions outlined in the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS-equipped vehicles, reinforcing their commitment to responsible innovation in the mercedes benz self driving space.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Atlanta, is dedicated to delivering exceptional luxury vehicles and pioneering technologies to the U.S. market. With the introduction of DRIVE PILOT, Mercedes-Benz continues to solidify its position as a leader in automotive innovation, shaping the future of mobility and redefining the driving experience through advanced mercedes benz self driving solutions.
