Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot has received approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority to conduct Level 3 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 95km/h, making it the fastest certified system for conditionally automated driving in a production vehicle.
The system is optionally available on two luxury saloons – the S-Class and EQS. The price of Drive Pilot starts at €5,950 (US$6,122). Cars already optioned with the system will receive the the update for free – either via the internet (OTA) or during a visit to the workshop. Mercedes says there is no need to change any vehicle components for the software update.
“With the further developed version, which has now been certified by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, this is also possible at 95km/h in Germany under certain conditions. It makes me very proud that the world’s fastest system for conditionally automated driving is coming from Mercedes Benz,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes Benz Group and chief technology officer, development and purchasing.
With this latest upgrade, Drive Pilot can be used in flowing traffic up to 95km/h under certain conditions on the entire 13,191-km-long German autobahn. This allows drivers to frequently use automated driving mode. When activated, it is legally allowed for the driver to enjoy other activities, such as watching TV or even streaming a movie via services like Sony’s RideVu app.
Mercedes says the system has a redundant design. Important parameters such as electrics, steering and braking are built in twice. If necessary, the system is always able to transfer the driving task back to the driver. If the driver fails to take control even after urgent prompting and expiration of the takeover time, the system brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner while engaging the hazard warning lights.
More than 35 sensors such as cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors and lidar are used. These work to different physical principles and create redundancies for precise real-time detection of the road. Currently, the legally allowed top speed for conditionally automated driving in Germany is 130km/h. Mercedes Benz aims to achieve this speed range by the end of this decade.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first automobile manufacturer to develop special turquoise lights that indicate when Drive Pilot is active. This enables other road users to recognize a Level 3 vehicle and feel comfortable if they see a driver watching a movie, for instance.