Mercedes-Benz is set to revolutionise the world of automated driving with the next evolution of its DRIVE PILOT, introducing SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving in Germany.
This upgrade empowers the vehicle to take over specific driving tasks, though the driver remains on standby. With the new DRIVE PILOT version, Mercedes-Benz is pushing boundaries, offering customers a faster and more advanced system that now follows traffic at speeds up to 95 kmph on motorways—delivering significantly enhanced convenience.
The improved DRIVE PILOT is awaiting re-certification from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, anticipated by the end of 2024, with sales slated to begin in early 2025.
Existing DRIVE PILOT-equipped vehicles will benefit from free upgrades, either wirelessly via over-the-air updates (OTA) or through a visit to the workshop, depending on the model. Notably, no hardware changes will be required.
Improved Driving Experience
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG's Chief Technology Officer, said, “With this upgraded DRIVE PILOT version, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting industry standards and paving the way for autonomous driving. Customers will soon be able to activate conditionally automated driving at speeds up to 95 km/h, allowing them to make better use of their time on the road.”
The increased speed allows DRIVE PILOT to be used in more driving scenarios, particularly in flowing motorway traffic while following another vehicle. Customers can take a break from driving and engage in secondary activities such as working, surfing the internet, or even streaming entertainment via the new RIDEVU app by Sony Pictures Entertainment, available in select models and markets. These capabilities provide an enhanced level of comfort, efficiency, and convenience, while national and regional traffic regulations will dictate which activities are permissible.
Safety Through Redundancy & Precision
Safety remains paramount in this technological advancement. Mercedes-Benz employs a redundant system architecture, meaning critical systems like steering, braking, and electrical functions have backups to ensure the vehicle remains operational in the rare case of system failure.
Advanced sensors—including cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR—work together to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings in real-time. Coupled with a high-precision positioning system, the car can determine its location within centimetres, enhancing its ability to navigate accurately and safely.
The system also leverages a continuously updated HD map, providing a detailed three-dimensional view of roads and environments to support safe conditionally automated driving. The combination of these technologies ensures smooth, reliable performance and a secure handover back to the driver when needed.
Looking Ahead: Faster Speeds & Longer Handover Times
Mercedes-Benz isn’t stopping at 95 km/h. The company is aggressively developing new capabilities to enable faster speeds—up to 130 kmph—and extended handover times by the end of the decade, all while maintaining a focus on safety. This progressive approach will help realise the full potential of conditionally automated driving.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz is addressing the social and ethical implications of automated driving. In a world-first, the company has developed turquoise marker lights that signal to other road users when DRIVE PILOT is active, following SAE J3134 recommendations. These lights, now being tested in Nevada and California, are integrated into the front, rear, and side mirrors of the vehicles, enhancing awareness and communication on the road.
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