Mercedes-Benz is making waves in the automotive industry as the first automaker to receive state approval in the U.S. for deploying a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. The highly anticipated production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023, initially with a limited fleet of Level 3 equipped EQS Sedans, branded as DRIVE PILOT: First Class. Looking ahead to early 2024, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT-equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers across California and Nevada.
This groundbreaking move positions Mercedes-Benz as a pioneer in automated driving technology, bringing a sophisticated system to U.S. customers in standard-production vehicles for the first time. California and Nevada have taken the lead as the first two states to certify and approve the system for use on major freeways. While regulations differ across states, Mercedes-Benz has expressed its intention to broaden the availability of this innovative technology to more U.S. markets in the future, signaling a significant expansion of conditionally automated driving in the country.
“DRIVE PILOT is globally the first and only conditionally automated driving system with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated system architecture, underpinned by redundancy across various sensor types, is paramount for safe automated driving at Level 3 and beyond. At Mercedes-Benz, safety is a core value. We are committed to the responsible implementation of this technology, recognizing it as crucial for gaining customer trust and broader societal acceptance,” stated Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, added, “DRIVE PILOT represents a transformative leap in conditionally automated driving, a true game-changer. 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 situations.”
Understanding Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Automation
DRIVE PILOT is a cutting-edge SAE Level 3 system designed to manage the dynamic driving task under specific conditions. Specifically, it can take over driving responsibilities at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections experiencing high traffic density. Upon activation, DRIVE PILOT assumes control of the vehicle’s speed and distance, seamlessly maintaining lane position. A key benefit of this conditionally automated mode is that it allows drivers to engage in permissible secondary activities on the vehicle’s central display, features that are typically restricted while driving manually. This unlocks new possibilities for utilizing travel time productively or for relaxation when traffic conditions allow.
Safety is paramount in the development of DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz has implemented rigorous measures to ensure operational reliability. The system builds upon the Driver Assistance Package’s sensor suite and incorporates additional, critical sensors for safe conditionally automated driving. These enhancements include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor in 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 crucial for maintaining vehicle maneuverability and ensuring a safe transition back to driver control should any system malfunction occur.
High-Precision Technology and Operation
DRIVE PILOT relies on an exceptionally precise positioning system, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional GPS. This advanced system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this is a digital HD map providing a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road and surrounding environment. This map integrates data on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction zones. Data is gathered anonymously from LiDAR, camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensors and continuously updated via backend data centers. Each vehicle also stores a local copy of this HD map, constantly cross-referencing with backend data to ensure up-to-date information for optimal DRIVE PILOT performance.
Availability, Subscription, and Future Expansion
DRIVE PILOT will initially be available on select Mercedes-Benz EQS and S-Class models in California and Nevada. Activation will be managed through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, with initial pricing starting at $2,500. Mercedes-Benz plans to announce further subscription options in the future. This activation model ensures customers are fully informed about DRIVE PILOT’s capabilities at the point of Level 3 system activation. The subscription-based approach also provides flexibility, allowing customers to adapt their access to DRIVE PILOT based on their individual needs and location, particularly if they move to areas where Level 3 enabled freeways are not available.
Looking to the future, Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with various state and federal agencies to expand the availability of DRIVE PILOT across the U.S. The company is also developing turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged, enhancing transparency and awareness for other road users. While a national regulatory framework for such visual indicators is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is committed to adapting DRIVE PILOT’s system architecture to comply with evolving standards and regulations.
Legally Compliant and Ethically Developed
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes legal compliance and ethical considerations in the development of automated driving technologies. An interdisciplinary team of experts ensured that DRIVE PILOT adheres to all relevant traffic regulations, translating legal requirements into robust software. Mercedes-Benz also complies with the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS-equipped vehicles, demonstrating its commitment to responsible and safe deployment of automated driving technology on public roads.
Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way in automotive innovation, with DRIVE PILOT marking a significant step towards a future of more automated and convenient driving experiences.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse range of luxury vehicles, from the GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. Mercedes-Benz Vans are also part of MBUSA’s responsibilities in the U.S. For more information about MBUSA and its products, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
Note:
- SAE Level 3 automation means the automated driving system can perform certain driving tasks under specific conditions. However, the driver must be ready to take over vehicle control when prompted by the system.
- The legality of secondary activities while using DRIVE PILOT depends on specific national or state traffic regulations.
