Mercedes-Benz Becomes First Automaker To Launch Level 3 Autonomous Driving In USA

Mercedes-Benz has become the first automaker to launch SAE Level 3 automated driving in the United States.

After receiving approval to use the technology in California and Nevada earlier this year, the production-ready version of Drive Pilot will debut in late 2023 on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan in a limited fleet capacity. In early 2024, the feature will expand to more vehicles, including the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

"Drive Pilot is the world's first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. It is engineered with a sophisticated system architecture based on redundancy with many different sensor types," said Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement. "I strongly believe that redundancy is key for safe automated driving for level 3 and beyond. Safety is one of Mercedes-Benz's core values. Responsible handling of this technology is our top priority and the key to acceptance among customers and in society."

Unlike some Level 2 systems with hands-free capability, such as Super Cruise or BlueCruise, Drive Pilot is the first to conditionally take over the dynamic driving task up to 40 mph. This allows drivers to focus on other tasks, such as reading a book or watching a movie, while the car is in motion. It's worth noting that Drive Pilot will only function on certain highways with high traffic density. If the highway moves normally, the speeds will be too fast for the system to activate.

Drive Pilot-equipped vehicles use a combination of LiDAR, a camera in the rear window, microphones to detect emergency vehicles, and a road wetness sensor to create a digital image of the surrounding area. Redundant steering and braking actuators help ensure a smooth transition back to the driver in case one of the systems mentioned above fails.

There is currently no regulatory framework in the US for Level 3 driving, which is unsurprising given how far behind the country is on technologies such as headlights. For now, Mercedes will use special turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (pictured below) to let other drivers know when Drive Pilot is engaged.

Only participating dealerships in California and Nevada will be able to sell Drive Pilot-equipped EQS and S-Class units, so don't expect to see one on the lot if you don't live in these states. The system will be activated through the Mercedes me connect store starting at $2,500, with additional options to be announced later, including a subscription-based offering.

This makes sense as an owner might want to cancel their subscription if they move outside of California or Nevada. And let's not forget that Benz made a fortune selling in-car subscriptions last year.