Mercedes-Benz Takes the Lead as First Automaker to Receive Level 3 ADAS Approval for California, Allowing Hands-Off Driving on Select Models

Mercedes-Benz has become the first automotive company to receive certification from the state of California to sell standard-production vehicles equipped with Level 3 conditionally automated driving.

The certification allows certain Mercedes models, specifically the 2024 S-Class and 2024 EQS, to be driven in California without the need for driver-machine interaction under specific conditions. The Drive Pilot system, which enables Level 3 automated driving, will be available as an option on the mentioned 2024 models.

Customers can expect the first cars equipped with the Drive Pilot system to be delivered in late 2023. 

The Drive Pilot system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and focus on other activities while driving on certain freeway sections with speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. However, the driver must still be prepared to take full control of the vehicle if needed.

Mercedes aims to improve the system to work with speeds of up to 80 mph in the future, with the help of companies like Nvidia and Luminar.

Mercedes plans to expand the availability of the Drive Pilot system to other states in the United States and other regions worldwide.

Source: Mercedes-Benz