DRIVE PILOT has become the fastest certified SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system for production vehicles. The system now supports speeds of up to 95 km/h in certain conditions along the entire 13,191 kilometres of German autobahns.
Automation to SAE Level 3 means that the system takes over certain driving tasks, but the driver must still be ready to take over at any time if the need arises.
DRIVE PILOT is available as an option for the S-Class and EQS models, priced from €5,950 (including VAT). Cars with the system already installed will receive the update free of charge over the air (Over-the-Air Update) or during a service visit. No changes to the vehicles' hardware components are required.
The Mercedes-Benz-developed partially autonomous driving system has a redundant architecture: electronics, steering wheel, brakes - all key functions are reserved in case of failure. In the event that the driver does not take back control (e.g. due to a sudden health problem), DRIVE PILOT will autonomously stop the vehicle and activate the emergency lights. Compatible models are equipped with more than 35 sensors, including cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors and LiDAR.
The updated software will be available for installation in vehicles in early 2025.
Source: Mercedes-Benz