Letting go of the wheel on the highway will soon be possible on a Mercedes-Benz, in Nevada (United States). The German manufacturer has just announced the upcoming update of its autonomous driving system for customers in the region. A major step forward, which highlights the delay of certain manufacturers.
First deliveries in 2023
The new iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot will be available on the 2024 S-Class and Sedan EQS models. The first deliveries are expected in the second half of 2023. Motorists on Nevada roads will be able, in certain specific cases, to let the car entirely drive autonomously at up to 40 mph (approximately 64 km/h). The system will suggest the driving mode as soon as “the conditions will be met.“
By activating this automatic mode, the autopilot is responsible for maintaining safety distances, guiding the vehicle and controlling the speed. The route, events on the route and traffic signs are processed by the system for maximum fluidity. In order to operate safely, the tool developed by Mercedes is based on a slew of sensors: “These include lidars, a camera in the rear window and microphones for detection of emergency vehicles, and a road moisture sensor in the wheel arch.“
Take your eyes off the road
Read, watch a movie, play… With level 3 of automated driving, the driver can divert his attention from the road. The only condition is to be able to resume driving quickly in the event of a problem.
“In the modern world, time is one of the most precious commodities, and giving time back to our customers is a central part of our strategy to build the world’s most desirable cars. Our Drive Pilot is a major step in this direction and puts us at the forefront of innovation in the crucial field of automated driving.“, comments Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Development and Purchasing for the group.
A snub across the Atlantic to Tesla and its Full Self-Driving, which has so far been content with level 2 in terms of automation.
