Mercedes-Benz has officially become the first automotive manufacturer globally to secure self-certification for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the United States. Nevada has validated the compliance of Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT system with state regulations, marking a pivotal moment in automotive technology. This achievement distinguishes DRIVE PILOT as the pioneering and sole SAE Level 3 system authorized for use in a standard production vehicle on public freeways within the U.S.
Meeting the stringent criteria outlined in Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, DRIVE PILOT empowers drivers to delegate the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under specific conditions. Mercedes-Benz aims to extend this certification to California later in the year, having already submitted the necessary documentation to state authorities. DRIVE PILOT will be offered in the U.S. as an optional feature for the 2024 model year Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan, with initial deliveries scheduled for the latter half of 2023.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the significance of this advancement: “In today’s fast-paced world, time is an invaluable asset. Our DRIVE PILOT system is designed to give our customers the gift of time back, a key element in our commitment to building the most desirable vehicles. This ‘First Benz’ technology represents a significant leap forward, positioning us at the forefront of innovation in automated driving. DRIVE PILOT embodies our pioneering spirit, a core aspect of our DNA. The Nevada certification is the starting point for its global deployment and signals the dawn of a new era in driving.”
DRIVE PILOT is designed for use on suitable freeway sections experiencing high traffic density, offering to assume control of the dynamic driving task at speeds up to 40 mph. Activation is straightforward, using control buttons located on the steering wheel rim. Once engaged, the system manages speed and distance, maintaining lane position effortlessly. It intelligently adapts to route profiles, traffic events, and road signs. Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT proactively responds to unforeseen traffic situations, executing evasive maneuvers within the lane or initiating braking as needed.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA, highlights the company’s enduring commitment to innovation: “Mercedes-Benz has been guided by an unwavering commitment to innovation since its inception. Being the first automotive company to achieve certification for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the U.S. market is a moment of immense pride for everyone involved and a testament to our continued leadership.”
Safety Architecture: LiDAR and Redundant Systems
Safety is paramount for Mercedes-Benz in the deployment of DRIVE PILOT, demanding exceptional operational reliability. Building upon the sensor suite of the Driving Assistance Package, DRIVE PILOT incorporates additional critical sensors for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. Vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT also feature redundant steering and braking actuators, alongside a redundant on-board electrical system. This redundancy ensures maneuverability and facilitates a safe handover back to the driver even in the event of a system failure.
In scenarios where a driver fails to regain control after escalating prompts and the expiration of the takeover period – potentially due to a medical emergency – DRIVE PILOT initiates a controlled emergency stop. The vehicle decelerates to a standstill while activating hazard warning lights. Upon stopping, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is automatically engaged, and the doors are unlocked to provide first responders with immediate access.
High-Precision Positioning Technology
DRIVE PILOT’s precise location is determined by a high-fidelity positioning system, significantly more advanced than conventional GPS. Complementing anonymized data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasound sensors, a digital HD map provides a comprehensive three-dimensional representation of the road and surrounding environment. This includes detailed information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or roadworks, continuously updated via a backend connection.
This high-precision map surpasses navigation maps with centimeter-level accuracy and detailed junction and route models. Stored in backend data centers and constantly updated, this map data is also mirrored onboard each vehicle, enabling continuous comparison and local dataset updates. This sophisticated system ensures stable and accurate positioning, independent of external factors like shadows or sensor obstruction.
A powerful central control unit chipset drives the complex software functions necessary for conditionally automated driving, with critical algorithms executed redundantly within a state-of-the-art security architecture.
Conditionally Automated Driving Capabilities
During conditionally automated driving, DRIVE PILOT allows drivers to temporarily disengage from the demands of driving and engage in permissible secondary activities². When DRIVE PILOT is active, certain applications on the vehicle’s central display, normally restricted during driving, become available.
Initially launched in Germany in May 2022, Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT was the first SAE Level 3 system worldwide to meet the rigorous legal standards of UNR157. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) granted initial system approval based on UN-R157, paving the way for DRIVE PILOT’s international deployment³ in jurisdictions where legislation permits.
About First Benz – Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, oversees the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products across the United States. MBUSA offers the most diverse luxury vehicle portfolio, featuring 15 model lines from the GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA also manages 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: Automated driving function assumes certain driving tasks, but driver intervention is required when prompted by the vehicle.
² Legally permissible secondary activities for the driver are defined by respective national road traffic regulations.
³ ECE contracting states (57), including EU states, GB, Japan, Korea, and Australia.
