Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to secure state approval in the United States for deployment of a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This revolutionary technology, known as DRIVE PILOT, allows the vehicle to manage the dynamic driving tasks under specific conditions, granting drivers the freedom to engage in secondary activities. The production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023 with a limited fleet of Level 3 equipped EQS Sedans, marking a new era in automotive innovation.
Following this initial launch, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models in early 2024. These vehicles will be available through participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in California and Nevada, bringing this cutting-edge technology to a wider audience. DRIVE PILOT will be offered via a subscription service through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store for both S-Class and EQS Sedan models, providing flexibility and access to this advanced system.
Setting a New Benchmark in Automated Driving
As the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to introduce a conditionally automated driving system in a standard-production vehicle for U.S. customers, Mercedes-Benz is once again redefining the standards for advancements in automated driving. California and Nevada have emerged as the pioneering states, granting approval and certification for DRIVE PILOT’s use on major freeways. While regulatory frameworks are state-specific, Mercedes-Benz is committed to extending the availability of this groundbreaking technology to additional U.S. markets in the near future, recognizing the widespread potential of Benz Drive Pilot.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement, emphasizes the significance of this achievement: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated system architecture is built on redundancy, incorporating diverse sensor types. Redundancy, I believe, is paramount for ensuring safe automated driving at Level 3 and beyond. Safety is a core tenet of Mercedes-Benz values. Our responsible deployment of this technology is our highest priority and is crucial for fostering acceptance among our customers and within society.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlights the transformative nature of DRIVE PILOT: “DRIVE PILOT represents a technological game-changer and a remarkable leap forward in the pursuit of conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system underscores our commitment to leading in both safety and technology, all while affording our customers the invaluable gift of time back during congested traffic scenarios.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving
DRIVE PILOT is an innovative system that empowers the vehicle to assume dynamic driving tasks at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections and in high-density traffic. Upon activation, benz drive pilot takes command of speed and distance, seamlessly maintaining the vehicle within its lane. During these conditionally automated journeys, drivers can utilize certain applications on the vehicle’s central display that are typically restricted while driving, enhancing productivity or entertainment during commutes.
Safety is paramount in this Mercedes-Benz innovation. DRIVE PILOT builds upon the advanced vehicle sensing technology found in the Driver Assistance Package and integrates additional sensors deemed essential by Mercedes-Benz for secure conditionally automated driving. These critical components include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicles, and a road wetness sensor located in the wheel well. Vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT also feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. This redundancy ensures vehicle maneuverability and control, even in the unlikely event of a system failure, facilitating a safe and reliable handover back to the driver.
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select EQS and S-Class models through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, starting at $2,500, with further subscription options to be announced. This activation model ensures that customers are fully informed about the system’s capabilities at the point of Level 3 activation, reflecting the advanced nature of the technology. The subscription-based offering also provides customers with the flexibility to tailor the service to their individual needs. For instance, customers relocating to areas without Level 3 enabled freeways can opt not to renew their subscription.
High-Precision Positioning for Optimal DRIVE PILOT Operation
The precise location of a DRIVE PILOT-equipped Mercedes-Benz is determined using a high-precision positioning system that far surpasses conventional GPS systems in accuracy. This advanced system can pinpoint the vehicle’s position within inches. Complementing anonymized data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, a digital HD map provides a comprehensive three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings. This detailed map incorporates information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and dynamic traffic events such as accidents or construction zones.
This HD map data is stored in backend data centers and undergoes continuous updates. Each vehicle also maintains a local copy of this map information, constantly comparing it with backend data and updating its local dataset as needed, ensuring the most current and accurate information for DRIVE PILOT operation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Automated Driving
Mercedes-Benz is proactively integrating social and ethical considerations into the development of automated driving technologies. The company believes in transparency and informing drivers when the automated driving function is active through visual cues. To this end, Mercedes-Benz has developed distinctive turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 Recommended Practice) to clearly indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged. While a national regulatory framework for implementing this technology is still evolving in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to facilitate the standardization process. The company is committed to adapting the DRIVE PILOT system architecture in accordance with defined standards as they emerge.
Legally Compliant and Road-Ready
Mercedes-Benz maintains a rigorous commitment to ensuring that any new technology deployed on public roads fully complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. An interdisciplinary team of technical, legal, ethical, certification, and safety experts collaborated throughout the development process, meticulously translating traffic regulations into robust software for DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz adheres to all provisions outlined in the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS equipped vehicles, underscoring its dedication to safety and regulatory compliance.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products within the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse luxury vehicle lineup, encompassing 18 model lines from sporty SUVs to flagship sedans and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. MBUSA also oversees Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. For further information about MBUSA and its product offerings, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
1 SAE Level 3: The automated driving function assumes certain driving tasks. However, the driver must remain ready to regain control of the vehicle at all times upon the vehicle’s prompt to intervene.
2 The legality of permissible secondary activities for the driver is determined by the specific national or state road traffic regulations.
