Mercedes-Benz has received approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) for its updated DRIVE PILOT system, enabling conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3) at speeds up to 95 km/h.
This makes DRIVE PILOT the fastest certified system for Level 3 autonomous driving in a standard production vehicle.
The updated DRIVE PILOT system will be available in Germany from spring 2025 for the S-Class and EQS models, with pricing starting at 5,950 EUR.
Customers with vehicles already equipped with DRIVE PILOT will receive the update at no additional cost, delivered either via an over-the-air (OTA) update or during a service visit. No hardware changes are required.
The system can now operate on the entire 13,191 km of Germany’s Autobahn network under specific conditions. When activated, it allows drivers to engage in other activities, such as watching TV, streaming content via the Sony RIDEVU app, reading, or working, while the car manages the driving.
The system employs over 35 sensors, including cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR, for precise environmental monitoring. It also relies on highly detailed digital maps and advanced positioning technology to determine the vehicle’s exact location within centimetres.
By the end of the decade, Mercedes-Benz aims to further expand DRIVE PILOT’s capabilities to higher speeds (up to 130 km/h) and longer automated driving periods. The company is also testing turquoise exterior lights to indicate when DRIVE PILOT is active, enhancing public awareness and trust.
