Mercedes-Benz has taken a major step towards autonomous driving with the release of cars equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving technology. These cars are capable of driving themselves without the need for the driver to constantly monitor the road. While this technology is groundbreaking, it is currently only legal in limited parts of two US states: California and Nevada.
The delivery of these vehicles marks a significant milestone for Mercedes, as they become the first automaker in US history to sell cars with Level 3 autonomous driving technology. This approval from the government allows them to sell the technology to the general public, giving customers the opportunity to experience a new level of driving convenience.
To utilize this technology, US buyers of Mercedes EQS and S-Class models can subscribe to Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz’s autonomous driving system, for an additional $2,500 yearly fee. However, it’s important to note that Drive Pilot can only be used on approved roads or certain freeways while traveling under 40 mph and only during daylight hours. This limitation ensures that drivers remain vigilant and ready to take manual control if necessary.
One way drivers will be able to identify if a Mercedes is in Drive Pilot mode is by spotting the turquoise lights on the exterior of the car. Mercedes received special approval to use this color lighting last year. These lights will be integrated into the headlight and tail light assembly, as well as on the mirrors. This approach has been used by other automakers in the past and has become the standard for indicating autonomous driving capabilities.
While the release of Level 3 autonomous cars has been highly anticipated, there have been some delays in bringing this technology to consumers. Mercedes originally intended to release these vehicles in 2022 but faced unforeseen setbacks. However, they have now overcome these challenges and are delivering cars with this advanced technology to customers.
During testing conducted by CNET in 2022, Drive Pilot was found to be smoother and more consistent than Level 2 systems such as Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise. The system is designed for slow city driving, including traffic jams, where minimal maneuvering is required to remain safe. It is fairly easy to activate, with buttons on the steering wheel to initialize Drive Pilot, and the presence of turquoise lights in the cabin to indicate its activation.
It’s important to understand the distinction between the different levels of autonomous driving. Tesla’s Autopilot, for example, is a Level 2 system that requires constant human monitoring and intervention. In contrast, Level 3 autonomous driving allows the car to make decisions on its own with less human oversight. While drivers can take their eyes off the road while the system is active, they must be prepared to retake control if the system encounters a situation it cannot handle.
While Mercedes is leading the way in Level 3 autonomous driving technology, it’s worth noting that there have been incidents involving Level 2 systems like Tesla’s Autopilot. These incidents have prompted Tesla to recall vehicles and update their software to enhance safety measures. As autonomous driving technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for automakers to prioritize safety and regularly update their systems to prevent collisions and ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz has made significant progress in autonomous driving technology with the release of Level 3 autonomous cars. While this technology is currently limited to certain parts of California and Nevada, it serves as a crucial stepping stone towards a future where cars can drive themselves without human intervention. As more states consider approving this technology, it is important for automakers to continue refining their systems to ensure safety and reliability on the road.
