Mercedes-Benz is transforming the driving experience with its updated SAE Level 3 Drive Pilot system in Germany, set to enable hands-off and eyes-off driving at speeds of up to 95 km/h by early 2025. With this upgrade, drivers can now engage in activities like watching movies or texting while cruising on the autobahn.
At present, Drive Pilot is only available for the S-Class and EQS models, with access varying by region. In the U.S., only a few states, such as Nevada and California, have embraced it, primarily due to regulatory challenges impeding its broader adoption.
SAE Level 3 systems like Drive Pilot allow for eyes-off driving under specific conditions. In contrast, Level 2 systems, such as those from Tesla, demand constant driver attention. Until recently, most Level 3 systems operated only at slow speeds suitable for traffic jams. However, Mercedes' upgrade now allows for operation at autobahn speeds, making it the fastest certified Level 3 system for production vehicles.
Drive Pilot incorporates 35 sensors, including cameras, lidar, radar, and ultrasonic systems, to ensure safe hands-off driving. If the driver does not regain control when needed, the system safely brakes to a stop and activates the hazard lights. Nonetheless, it is not designed for narrow streets or to allow drivers to nap while on the move.
Despite its €5,950 price in Germany, Drive Pilot offers more capability than many more expensive systems available in the U.S. However, securing approval across different states remains a hurdle. Without consistent U.S. federal regulations, automakers encounter considerable challenges in deploying Level 3 systems.
As Mercedes advances with Drive Pilot, other automakers like BMW are nearing similar offerings. As more Level 3 systems are rolled out worldwide, the accumulation of real-world data will provide a clearer understanding of their impact.
Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of automated driving with Drive Pilot, providing an eyes-off, hands-off experience at autobahn speeds. Although its availability is restricted to certain regions and models and faces regulatory obstacles, this represents a significant stride toward more advanced automated driving systems.
