2023 CES: Mercedes-Benz gets L3 self-driving license in US

Mercedes-benz officials announced at CES 2023 that the brand has received US regulatory approval to deploy its Drive Pilot system in Nevada, which allows hands-off driving under certain conditions. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to receive regulatory approval for this technology in the US. The autopilot function will be in the Mercedes s-class | inquiry (parameters) and EQS models used.

Mercedes-benz EQS 2022 model modified 580 4MATIC

According to the International Society of Automotive Engineers, level L3 autopilot allows vehicles to drive themselves under limited conditions, drivers can take their eyes off the road, and a person in the driver's seat is not considered to be "driving." However, Mercedes' Drive Pilot system only works at speeds up to 64km/h. This means that the feature will be used mainly during traffic jams.

Mercedes-benz EQS 2022 model modified 580 4MATIC

While this isn't fully autonomous yet, it will at least mean that drivers can take their eyes off the road during their commute, can respond to text messages, etc. However, the person in the driver's seat cannot fall asleep because the car may ask them to take over control at any time. If the driver does not respond to the vehicle within 10 seconds, the car will make an emergency stop.

While some self-driving tech companies are already operating fully autonomous vehicles in places like San Francisco, those vehicles are used as Robotaxis, while Mercedes' Drive Pilot is aimed at regular consumer vehicles. In addition, Drive Pilot is already available in Europe and other regions.

Mercedes-benz (Imported) Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2022 model modified S 500 L 4MATIC

As early as December 2021, Mercedes-Benz has passed the approval of the German Federal Transport Administration, becoming the first automaker in the world that can legally use L3 level autonomous driving system in Germany. In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz announced that Drive Pilot (L3) will be available as an optional option on its S-Class and EQS models in Germany for 5,000 euros (about 36,380 yuan) and 7,430 euros (about 54,060 yuan), respectively.

Mercedes-benz EQS 2022 model modified 580 4MATIC

In Germany, when a car owner activates the L3 level autopilot assistance, if a traffic accident occurs, then the responsibility lies with the car manufacturer. The Drive Pilot system provides road data to the onboard computer via radar, lidar, cameras, ultrasound and humidity sensors. The system controls vehicle speed, braking and lane position. In addition to Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz officials also said its automatic lane change feature will be available in North America.