Mercedes-Benz, a leading global automotive company, has achieved a significant milestone in the United States. The California state authorities have officially certified the company’s DRIVE PILOT system, marking a major step forward for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving in standard production vehicles within the country. This certification positions Mercedes-Benz as the first automaker authorized to introduce such an advanced system on public freeways in California, the most populous state in the U.S.
The DRIVE PILOT system will be offered as an option for the 2024 model year Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models in the U.S. market. Deliveries of the first vehicles equipped with this groundbreaking technology are expected to commence in late 2023. Prior to California, the state of Nevada had already confirmed the system’s compliance with state regulations in January 2023. Mercedes-Benz has expressed its ambition to further expand the availability of DRIVE PILOT to additional markets in the future, solidifying its commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the automotive sector.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT stands as the world’s only SAE Level 3 system holding internationally valid type approval. Built upon a robust foundation, it establishes new benchmarks within the industry. DRIVE PILOT leverages a highly sophisticated vehicle architecture characterized by redundancy and a multitude of sensors, ensuring comfortable and safe conditionally automated driving. The certifications from authorities in both California and Nevada underscore that redundancy is not only the safest approach but also the most effective one.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving System
DRIVE PILOT represents a significant leap in driving technology. During conditionally automated journeys, this SAE Level 3 system allows drivers to temporarily divert their attention from the road and engage in permissible secondary activities. When DRIVE PILOT is engaged, certain applications, typically blocked while driving, become accessible on the vehicle’s central display, enhancing the user experience and offering new levels of convenience.
On designated freeway sections with high traffic density, DRIVE PILOT can be activated to assume the dynamic driving task at speeds up to 40 mph. Control buttons, conveniently located on the steering wheel rim, allow for easy engagement. Once activated, the system autonomously manages speed and distance, smoothly maintaining the vehicle within its lane. It intelligently adapts to the route profile, traffic events, and road signs. Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT is engineered to react to unexpected traffic scenarios, executing independent evasive maneuvers within the lane or initiating braking as needed, ensuring a safe and responsive automated driving experience.
In critical situations where the driver fails to regain control even after repeated prompts, potentially due to a health emergency, DRIVE PILOT is designed to bring the vehicle to a controlled standstill. During this process, the hazard warning lights are activated, and upon complete stop, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is automatically engaged. The doors are also unlocked to facilitate access for first responders, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to safety and emergency response.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlighted the company’s leadership and customer-centric approach: “We are immensely proud to extend our leadership in Level 3 conditionally automated driving with this California certification. Remaining at the forefront of innovation within the U.S. market is paramount. This groundbreaking system reinforces our commitment to leading in both safety and technology, providing our valued customers with unparalleled convenience and reclaiming their time while ensuring safe navigation through today’s congested freeways.”
Redundancy: A Cornerstone of Safe Automated Operation
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety above all else in the deployment of advanced systems like DRIVE PILOT. Operational reliability is paramount. DRIVE PILOT is engineered with a foundation of surround sensors from the Driver Assistance Package, augmented by additional sensors deemed essential for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR technology, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor integrated within 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 maneuverability and safe handover to the driver even in the event of a system failure, underpinning the system’s robust safety architecture.
The Future of Automated Driving and Strategic Partnerships
Mercedes-Benz is committed to advancing SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving, with a future vision of enabling operation at speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h). Further enhancements in sensing modalities will ensure the system continues to meet Mercedes-Benz’s stringent safety standards. To realize this ambitious future, Mercedes-Benz strategically collaborates with industry leaders such as NVIDIA and Luminar. These partnerships complement existing collaborations with other cutting-edge technology companies, fostering innovation and accelerating progress in automated driving technology. The achievement of SAE Level 3 certification is a significant milestone for Mercedes-Benz and the broader industry, and these partnerships will be crucial in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the future of driving.
Mercedes-Benz, a company rooted in German engineering and innovation, continues to demonstrate its global leadership in automotive technology. The DRIVE PILOT certification in the USA highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its advanced technologies across international markets, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the automotive industry and a symbol of German ingenuity on a global scale.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service for Mercedes-Benz products throughout the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse range of luxury vehicles, from sporty SUVs to flagship sedans and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. Mercedes-Benz Vans are also managed by MBUSA in the U.S. For further information, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. Mercedes-Benz, as a company originating from Germany, continues to shape the future of mobility worldwide.
