Mercedes-Benz has secured an approval for a conditionally automated driving (Level 3) highway road test license on designated area in the Chinese capital.
Mercedes-Benz’s Level 3 automated driving system, known as DRIVE PILOT, incorporates redundancy measures for enhanced safety and reliability. This system utilizes advanced sensor technology, including LiDAR, stereo cameras, multi-purpose cameras, microphones for emergency vehicle detection, and a moisture sensor. Redundant steering and braking systems, along with a redundant on-board electrical system, ensure the vehicle remains maneuverable and can safely hand over control to the driver in case of a system failure.
The benefits of the DRIVE PILOT system are apparent for customers, allowing them to engage in secondary activities while the vehicle is in conditionally automated driving mode. These activities include communication via In-Car Office, web browsing, or leisure activities like watching a movie.
In China, Mercedes-Benz is tailoring its automated driving solutions to local conditions through extensive research and development. The company integrates global R&D expertise with a dedicated local team, collaborating with authorities and adapting to local regulations. Proving ground testing and validation in China have been ongoing since 2021, with a focus on optimizing the Level 3 system for China’s unique road signs, markings, and traffic conditions.
The local R&D team, expected to reach 2,000 members by the end of 2023, plays a crucial role in adapting the system to accommodate China’s specific infrastructure nuances, including bus lanes, tidal lanes, and construction zones. This approach ensures that Mercedes-Benz provides Chinese customers with a safe and reliable automated driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to collaborative innovation is reflected in its continued partnership with local authorities, contributing to the development of intelligent connected vehicles in China. The company’s growth in the Chinese market is further exemplified by the expansion of its R&D network, establishment of new R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai, and a decade-long partnership with Tsinghua University in sustainable mobility research.
As the Level 3 automated driving system undergoes testing on Beijing’s highways, Mercedes-Benz looks forward to further advancements and contributions to the future of intelligent connected vehicles in China. Customer deliveries of vehicles equipped with the DRIVE PILOT system are anticipated to begin in early 2024, marking a new era in automated driving for Chinese consumers.
