Mercedes-Benz has announced the next version of its DRIVE PILOT system, a conditionally automated driving technology (SAE Level 3), set to bring significant advancements for customers in Germany. The upgraded system will allow vehicles to follow traffic on motorways at speeds of up to 95 km/h, a notable increase from the current system, which is limited to slower traffic conditions.
The certification for this new iteration is expected to be completed by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority by the end of 2024, with the first vehicles equipped with the new system going on sale in early 2025. Existing Mercedes vehicles fitted with DRIVE PILOT can be upgraded to the new version free of charge, either through over-the-air (OTA) updates or via a workshop visit, depending on the model. No hardware modifications will be required. Upon release, DRIVE PILOT will be the fastest Level 3 automated driving system available in a production vehicle globally.
Enhanced Driving Experience
The latest DRIVE PILOT upgrade will enable drivers to benefit from conditionally automated driving at higher speeds, allowing the system to take control of the vehicle during flowing traffic on the right-hand lane of motorways. Customers will still be able to use the system in heavy traffic and traffic jams. During these automated driving phases, drivers can hand over control to the vehicle and engage in secondary activities such as working, browsing the internet, or watching content through services like Sony’s RIDEVU.
Safety Features and Redundant Systems
Safety remains a top priority for Mercedes-Benz. DRIVE PILOT operates with a redundant system architecture, ensuring that critical functions like steering, braking, and the electrical system remain operational even if one part fails. The vehicle uses an array of cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR to monitor its surroundings, with real-time data processing on board. An advanced positioning system and detailed HD maps allow the vehicle to pinpoint its location with precision, ensuring safe driving in all conditions.
Future Development and Ethical Considerations
Mercedes-Benz is committed to further advancing its automated driving technology. While the current speed limit for automated driving in Germany is 130 km/h, the company aims to reach this threshold by the end of the decade, gradually increasing speeds while prioritizing safety.
In addition to technical advancements, the company is addressing social and ethical considerations. Mercedes-Benz has introduced turquoise marker lights, based on SAE J3134 recommendations, to signal to other road users when DRIVE PILOT is active. Though this technology has already been approved for use in Nevada and California, Germany has yet to establish a legal framework for it. Testing in the U.S. has yielded promising results, with the lights integrated into test vehicles’ front, rear, and side mirrors.
As the legal and technical landscapes evolve, Mercedes-Benz plans to continue adapting DRIVE PILOT, ensuring it meets safety standards while pushing the boundaries of automated driving.
