Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to receive state approval in the United States for a production-ready vehicle equipped with SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving technology, known as DRIVE PILOT. This innovative system marks a significant leap forward in automotive technology, allowing drivers to delegate dynamic driving tasks to the vehicle under specific conditions.
The highly anticipated DRIVE PILOT system is slated to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023 with a limited fleet of EQS Sedans designated as “DRIVE PILOT: First Class.” Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer availability in early 2024, offering DRIVE PILOT equipped MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in the same states. This pioneering move positions Mercedes-Benz as a leader in automated driving, bringing cutting-edge technology to U.S. consumers.
California and Nevada have taken the lead in regulatory approval, certifying DRIVE PILOT for use on major freeways within their jurisdictions. While the regulatory landscape varies across states, Mercedes-Benz has expressed its commitment to expanding the availability of this revolutionary technology to additional U.S. markets in the future, paving the way for wider adoption of Level 3 automated driving.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the significance of this achievement: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated system architecture, built on redundancy with diverse sensor types, underscores our commitment to safety. Redundancy is paramount for safe automated driving at Level 3 and beyond. Safety is a core Mercedes-Benz value, and responsible technology handling is our top priority for customer and societal acceptance.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, echoes this sentiment, stating, “DRIVE PILOT is a technological game changer and an incredible leap forward in conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system reinforces our leadership in safety and technology, while giving our customers precious time back during heavy traffic situations.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 Conditionally Automated Driving
DRIVE PILOT represents a paradigm shift in driving, functioning as an SAE Level 3 conditionally automated system. This means that in specific operational design domains, the vehicle can assume dynamic driving tasks. Currently, DRIVE PILOT is designed for use on suitable freeway sections at speeds up to 40 mph, particularly in dense traffic scenarios.
Once activated, DRIVE PILOT takes command of speed and distance regulation, seamlessly keeping the vehicle within its lane. A key benefit of conditional automation is that it allows drivers to engage in “secondary activities” on the vehicle’s central display that are typically restricted while driving. This offers a new level of convenience and productivity during commutes and traffic congestion.
Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT activation screen displayed on the vehicle’s central console, indicating the availability of Level 3 automated driving.
Safety is paramount in the design and operation of DRIVE PILOT. It builds upon the advanced sensor technology found in Mercedes-Benz’s Driver Assistance Package, incorporating additional, critical components for safe conditional automation. These enhancements include:
- LiDAR: Provides a highly accurate 3D environmental map, complementing radar and camera systems.
- Rear Window Camera: Offers an extended rear view for enhanced situational awareness.
- Microphones: Detect emergency vehicle sirens, enabling appropriate system responses.
- Road Wetness Sensor: Located in the wheel well, it provides crucial data for adapting driving behavior to road conditions.
Furthermore, DRIVE PILOT incorporates redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are crucial for maintaining vehicle maneuverability and ensuring a safe transition back to driver control should one of the primary systems encounter a fault. This robust design prioritizes safety and operational reliability in automated driving scenarios.
Subscription Model and Activation
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select EQS and S-Class models and activated through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store. The initial activation price is set at $2,500, with further subscription options to be announced. This activation protocol ensures that customers are fully informed about the system’s capabilities at the point of Level 3 activation.
The subscription-based model offers flexibility, allowing customers to tailor their usage to their individual needs. For instance, if a customer relocates to an area without Level 3 enabled freeways, they have the option to discontinue their subscription. This approach acknowledges the evolving nature of automated driving technology and its geographical availability.
High-Precision Positioning for DRIVE PILOT Operation
Accurate vehicle positioning is fundamental to the safe and reliable operation of DRIVE PILOT. The system utilizes a high-precision positioning system that surpasses conventional GPS in accuracy. It can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches.
Close-up view of Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT sensor suite, highlighting the integration of LiDAR technology for enhanced environmental perception in automated driving.
Complementing this high-precision GPS is a digital HD map that provides a three-dimensional representation of the road and surrounding environment. This map is enriched with data on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or construction zones. The HD map data is continuously updated via backend data centers, with each vehicle also storing a local copy for redundancy and consistent performance. The vehicle constantly cross-references its local map data with the backend information, ensuring up-to-date and accurate mapping for DRIVE PILOT operation.
Future Considerations and Regulatory Landscape
Mercedes-Benz is proactively addressing the social and ethical dimensions of automated driving development. To enhance transparency and awareness, Mercedes-Benz has developed distinctive turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 Recommended Practice) to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is engaged. While a national regulatory framework for implementing this marker light technology is not yet in place in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to promote standardization and adoption.
The current U.S. road traffic and regulatory framework requires further adaptation to fully accommodate and standardize conditionally automated driving technologies like DRIVE PILOT. Mercedes-Benz is committed to collaborating with regulatory bodies and adapting the DRIVE PILOT system architecture to align with evolving standards as they emerge, ensuring legal compliance and safe operation on public roads.
Legally Compliant and Road-Ready
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that all new technologies introduced on public roads must adhere to stringent regulatory requirements. A dedicated interdisciplinary team comprising technical, legal, ethical, certification, and safety experts has been instrumental in developing DRIVE PILOT, translating complex traffic regulations into robust software functionality. Mercedes-Benz is committed to full compliance with the NHTSA Standing General Order governing ADS-equipped vehicles, ensuring that DRIVE PILOT operates within the bounds of legal and safety standards.
Mercedes-Benz, with the introduction of DRIVE PILOT, is not just launching a new feature; it is driving the future of automotive technology, offering a glimpse into a world where driving is safer, more convenient, and more integrated with our daily lives.
