December 18, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz has recently announced that its DRIVE PILOT autonomous driving system, capable of operating at speeds up to 95km/h, has been officially approved by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), the German federal automotive transport authority.
The automaker revealed that this updated version of DRIVE PILOT, designed for speeds of up to 95km/h, is scheduled to be released in Germany in the spring of 2025. Existing DRIVE PILOT customers will receive the upgrade free of charge.
According to Mercedes-Benz, this upgrade positions DRIVE PILOT as the fastest conditionally automated driving system in a standard production vehicle. It will be available as an option on two of the company’s luxury sedans, the S-Class and the EQS, priced at 5,950 euros including taxes.
As a Level 3 autonomous driving system, DRIVE PILOT allows Mercedes-Benz users to engage in other activities (as permitted by law) while the system is activated. This could include watching TV, movies, reading newspapers, or even working in the vehicle, providing a relaxing and convenient experience for the user.
Mercedes-Benz emphasized the safety features of its system, which includes a redundant design. In case the driver fails to take back control within a specified time after receiving an emergency prompt (due to serious health issues such as a sudden heart attack), the system is designed to slow down and stop the vehicle in a controlled manner while activating the hazard warning lights.
It’s worth noting that Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT currently relies on high-precision maps and a fusion of multiple sensors (at least for the 13,191 kilometers of German highways it’s designed for), achieving an impressive accuracy within a few centimeters. In areas where map information is missing, sensors such as cameras provide the necessary data for autonomous driving.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz stated that it is the world’s first automotive company to develop a special turquoise-colored light. This light indicates whether DRIVE PILOT is active, allowing other drivers and vehicles on the road to recognize Level 3 vehicles. This innovation is expected to significantly increase public acceptance of autonomous vehicles and enable traffic law enforcement officers and police to quickly identify the operational status of the autonomous driving system.
