The Brave New world is here: Mercedes-Benz is the first carmaker in the world to meet the demanding legal requirements of UN-R157 for a Level 3 system1, IE: SELF DRIVING CARS.

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has granted system approval, paving the way for offering such a system internationally2, where national legislation allows it. Germany has taken a pioneering role and buyers will be able to get an S-Class with DRIVE PILOT the first half of 2022, enabling them to drive in conditionally automated mode at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in heavy traffic or congested situations on suitable stretches of highway in Germany. The special DRIVE PILOT equipment takes the strain off the driver and allows them to perform ancillary tasks on the central display such as “online shopping or sending e-mails in their in-car office”. The system approval also applies to the EQS.

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ABOVE: Self Driving Mercedes Benz

“For many years, we have been working to realize our vision of automated driving. With this LiDAR based system, we have developed an innovative technology for our vehicles that offers customers a unique, luxurious driving experience and gives them what matters most: time. With the approval of the authorities, we have now achieved a breakthrough: We are the first manufacturer to put conditionally automated driving into series production in Germany,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Purchasing. “With this milestone, we are once again proving our pioneering work in automated driving and also initiating a radical paradigm shift. For the first time in 136 years of automotive history, the vehicle takes over the dynamic driving task under certain conditions. At the same time, we are pleased that Germany is continuing its pioneering role in automated driving with this approval.”

DRIVE PILOT will be available on 8,197 miles of highway in Germany. Testing is also already underway in the USA and China, and will start in other markets as legislation allows.

DRIVE PILOT also has to cope with surprising traffic situations.

On suitable highway sections and where traffic density is high, DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 37 mph. Once activated, it will steer and brake as needed With LiDAR sensor and other systems.

DRIVE PILOT uses the surround sensors of the Driving Assistance Package, as well as additional sensors such as LiDAR, a camera in the rear window, and microphones to “hear and see” such things as blue lights and other signals from emergency vehicles. There is also a moisture sensor in the wheel well to detect dampness not picked up by other sensors. As well as onboard data, DRIVE PILOT gathers further information about road geometry, route profile, and traffic signs and such things as accidents or roads works, from a digital HD map. If any of these systems goes out of service for any reason, the system hands back to the driver.

In the unlikely event of the driver being unable to take control after a prescribed time, the car will bring itself to a stop, unlock doors, and contact emergency responders.

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