Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to upgrade its vehicles with an automated driving system that will enable autonomous driving at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour on German motorways under specific conditions.
Pending certification from Germany’s motor transport authority, expected by the end of 2024, sales of the DRIVE PILOT system are set to begin next year. This technology allows the car to take control of driving when another vehicle is in front and visibility is clear, enabling drivers to remove their hands from the wheel for extended periods, although they must be prepared to take over within seconds.
Current Mercedes vehicles equipped with the technology will receive a free upgrade from the existing limit of 60 kilometers per hour.
The automotive industry recognizes five levels of autonomous driving, ranging from basic cruise control (Level 1) to fully self-driving vehicles (Level 5). Under the new system, Mercedes cars will operate at Level 3 in Germany.
To indicate when the system is active, Mercedes has introduced a turquoise light on the front of these vehicles, which it hopes will become a standard color for automated driving notifications.
The company aims to eventually raise the operational speed of the system to 130 kilometers per hour, though no specific timeline has been provided. Mercedes has already conducted Level 3 system tests in Beijing and has received approvals for its use on designated highways in California and Nevada.
Mercedes CTO Markus Schaefer expressed optimism about the rapid approval of Level 3 systems in China, noting the country’s focus on safety and data analysis. He anticipates swift market expansion once approval is granted. “We know how quickly the market moves in China,” he said.
Related Topics:
