Mercedes-Benz has officially ushered in a new era of driving in the United States, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval for a conditionally automated driving system. The groundbreaking DRIVE PILOT technology, a sophisticated SAE Level 3 system, allows drivers to relinquish control under certain conditions, transforming commuting and road trips in equipped vehicles. This pioneering step not only marks a significant milestone for Mercedes-Benz but also for the broader automotive industry as it navigates towards a future where “Mercedes Driverless Car” capabilities become increasingly prevalent.
The highly anticipated production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023. Initially, a limited fleet of EQS Sedans, Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric vehicles, will feature this cutting-edge technology, branded as DRIVE PILOT: First Class. Looking ahead to early 2024, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand availability to customer deliveries of DRIVE PILOT-equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in these pioneering states. This initial rollout focuses on California and Nevada due to their progressive regulatory frameworks concerning automated driving systems, paving the way for “mercedes driverless car” technology to become a reality for consumers.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Mercedes-Benz is not just introducing a new feature; they are setting a global benchmark. As Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes, “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval.” This validation underscores the rigorous engineering and safety considerations embedded within the system’s architecture. Redundancy in sensors and critical systems is paramount to ensuring safe operation, a core value for Mercedes-Benz and a crucial element for building trust in “mercedes driverless car” technologies among both customers and the wider public.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, further highlights the transformative nature of DRIVE PILOT, stating it’s “a technological game changer and incredible leap forward in the pursuit of conditionally automated driving.” This system is designed to give drivers back valuable time, especially during tedious commutes and heavy traffic scenarios. The focus remains on safety and technology leadership, with Mercedes-Benz firmly positioning itself at the forefront of the “mercedes driverless car” revolution.
DRIVE PILOT operates as a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system, meaning it can manage the dynamic driving task under specific conditions, up to speeds of 40 mph on suitable freeways and in dense traffic. Once activated, the system takes control of speed and lane keeping, allowing the driver to engage in permitted secondary activities. Importantly, even as a “mercedes driverless car” feature in operation, safety remains paramount. DRIVE PILOT is built upon the robust sensor suite of the Driver Assistance Package and incorporates additional critical sensors. These enhancements include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones for emergency vehicle detection, and a road wetness sensor, all working in concert to provide a comprehensive awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings. Redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system, are also integrated to ensure vehicle control and safe handover to the driver even in the event of system failures.
The precision of DRIVE PILOT relies on a sophisticated high-precision positioning system, far exceeding the accuracy of standard GPS. This system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this, a digital HD map provides a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road environment, incorporating data from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. This map is continuously updated with information on road geometry, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events, ensuring DRIVE PILOT operates with the most current and accurate information available, crucial for a reliable “mercedes driverless car” experience.
For customers eager to experience this “mercedes driverless car” technology, DRIVE PILOT will be offered as a subscription service through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, starting with select EQS and S-Class models. The subscription model, starting at $2,500, provides flexibility, allowing customers to activate the feature as needed and reflecting the ongoing software advancements in this rapidly evolving field. This approach also accommodates potential changes in user needs, such as relocation to areas where Level 3 functionality may not be available.
Looking towards the future, Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in shaping the regulatory landscape for automated driving. The company is advocating for the adoption of standardized visual cues, such as turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights, to clearly indicate when systems like DRIVE PILOT are engaged. While a unified national regulatory framework is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with state and federal agencies to ensure DRIVE PILOT and future “mercedes driverless car” technologies align with evolving standards. Mercedes-Benz is committed to responsible innovation, integrating ethical considerations and rigorous legal compliance into the development of its automated driving systems, ensuring that the pursuit of “mercedes driverless car” technology is both safe and beneficial for society.
