Mercedes-Benz is set to revolutionize autonomous driving by enabling its vehicles to drive independently at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour (kph) on German motorways under specific conditions. This announcement follows the company's plans to launch its DRIVE PILOT system by 2025, pending certification from Germany's motor transport authority. The certification process is expected to conclude by the end of 2024, paving the way for sales of the autonomous driving technology starting next year.
The DRIVE PILOT system allows the car to take over driving as long as there is another vehicle in front of it and the road ahead has clear visibility. In these conditions, drivers can take their hands off the wheel for extended periods. However, they are expected to remain alert and ready to take control within a few seconds when needed. This is a significant leap toward advancing Level 3 autonomy on the roads.
For existing Mercedes models equipped with this technology, a free upgrade will increase the current speed limit for autonomous driving from 60 kph to 95 kph once the certification is completed. This update will significantly enhance the driving experience for Mercedes customers, offering greater convenience and safety.
Mercedes-Benz aims to operate at Level 3 autonomy in Germany, a significant step in the auto industry’s five-level classification of autonomous driving. Level 3 autonomy allows a vehicle to make certain driving decisions, such as accelerating, braking, and steering, without human intervention. However, drivers still need to be able to resume control when required.
A distinctive feature of this system is the installation of a turquoise light at the front of the car, which illuminates when the vehicle is in autonomous mode. Mercedes-Benz hopes that this color will become an industry standard for notifying other drivers that a car is operating in self-driving mode.
Mercedes-Benz is not stopping there. The company aims to further increase the speed at which the DRIVE PILOT system operates, with a target of 130 kph. However, the company did not provide a specific timeline for achieving this next milestone.
The DRIVE PILOT system has already undergone rigorous testing outside of Germany. Mercedes has conducted trials for Level 3 autonomy in Beijing and has received regulatory approval for its use on designated highways in California and Nevada in the United States.
According to Markus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, China is especially cautious about safety regulations but is expected to approve Level 3 systems for broader use soon. Schaefer anticipates that once approved, the adoption of autonomous driving technologies will expand rapidly in the Chinese market due to the country's quick pace of technological advancement. "We know how quickly the market moves in China," he remarked, indicating a promising future for autonomous driving on Chinese roads.
Mercedes-Benz is leading the charge in autonomous driving with the upcoming DRIVE PILOT system, aiming to revolutionize highway driving by enabling Level 3 autonomy at speeds of up to 95 kph on German motorways. With certification expected by late 2024 and sales set to begin in 2025, the company’s advancements represent a significant leap in autonomous technology.
This development, alongside Mercedes-Benz's global testing and expansion efforts in China and the U.S., showcases its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. As the company works toward increasing autonomous driving speeds to 130 kph, Mercedes-Benz is setting the stage for a future where hands-free, AI-assisted driving becomes a regular feature on roads worldwide.