Date: April 26, 2024. — Mercedes-Benz will be selling Level 3 autonomous vehicles in the United States. This achievement followed the company securing the necessary permissions to sell cars with advanced autonomous features in California and Nevada.
The Level 3-enabled cars, which include the 2024 EQS sedans and S-Class model vehicles, went on sale in December. They are equipped with Mercedes’ Drive Pilot autonomous driving software. This technology allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and their eyes off the road under certain conditions. However, the system is currently limited to use at speeds of 40mph or less. It is only operational on specific freeways during daytime.
Drive Pilot uses a high-precision positioning system that surpasses conventional GPS systems in accuracy. Once activated, it manages the speed and distance, guiding the vehicle within its lane. The system also allows users to use certain dashboard apps that would otherwise have restrictions while driving.
Mercedes-Benz’s advancement into Level 3 autonomy represents a significant step forward in the evolution of self-driving technology. While the vehicles are capable of handling many driving tasks independently, it’s crucial for drivers to remain ready to take over if the system fails.
This development showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation. It also sets a new benchmark for other automakers in the pursuit of autonomous driving technology. As the industry moves forward, we can expect to see further advancements and wider adoption of such systems in the years to come. For now, Mercedes-Benz leads the way with its pioneering efforts in bringing Level 3 autonomy to the market.
