Mercedes Setzt Neuen Maßstab im Autonomen Fahren: Drive Pilot Jetzt Bis 95 km/h

Drive Pilot: Mercedes now offers full self-driving capability up to 95 km/h

The journey towards completely automated driving has advanced

Engaging in reading or using a smartphone while driving is a highly anticipated feature for many long-distance drivers and others. However, the progression towards fully autonomous driving has been rather slow. Mercedes has recently taken a significant leap forward with its upgraded Drive Pilot system, which can now take control and assume responsibility at speeds up to 95 km/h.

A decade ago, the prevalent belief was that the majority of vehicles would soon be navigating autonomously. However, engineers faced continual obstacles such as regulatory constraints, liability issues, intricate technical specifications, and most strikingly, high-profile calamities involving Tesla's "Autopilot" system which resulted in several tragic accidents.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot (2024)

Mercedes-Benz remains one of the few car manufacturers actively pursuing the development of autonomous driving technology, consistently showcasing new advancements. For several years now, their Series 223 S-Class model has been capable of level 3 autonomous driving, meaning it can take control of the vehicle, including steering and overall responsibility, under specific conditions. During such times, the driver is free to engage in other activities. The Stuttgart-based company has now unveiled a significantly enhanced version of the Drive Pilot.

The latest model rolling out in Germany will now allow vehicles to travel at speeds up to 95 kilometers per hour on highways under specific circumstances. This marks a significant upgrade from the prior limit of 60 kilometers per hour, delivering substantially more value to users.

The Drive Pilot is a level 3 system according to the SAE classification, indicating that the vehicle is capable of assuming control in certain scenarios, while the driver must be ready to take over at any moment. The latest iteration of Drive Pilot has expanded its capabilities to include functioning in steady traffic on the right lane of highways, not just during heavy traffic or congested conditions. This advancement allows drivers to make more frequent use of the system and manage their time more effectively, whether for work or leisure.

A key benefit of Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot is its use of a redundant system architecture. This design includes multiple backups for critical systems that manage steering, braking, and the vehicle's power supply, ensuring that even if a malfunction occurs, the car can safely transition control back to the driver. The system employs an array of technologies including cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR to gather and analyze surrounding data in real-time.

During the operation of highly automated vehicles, drivers have the option to hand over control to the onboard technology, allowing them to make better use of their time. For instance, they could browse the internet or watch movies through streaming services. This not only provides greater comfort for the drivers but also enhances safety by reducing driver fatigue in repetitive or tiring driving conditions. Legally, drivers are even permitted to use their cell phones while behind the wheel in such scenarios. The challenge arises in proving that the automated system was engaged in the event of being pulled over by law enforcement.

Further insights into self-driving technology:

With the upgraded version of the Drive Pilot, customers can make use of the system more frequently, thereby optimizing their time usage. The Federal Motor Transport Authority is anticipated to re-certify the system by the end of 2024, which is expected to lead to its market launch at the beginning of 2025. Vehicles that are already equipped with Drive Pilot can be updated at no extra charge, with the option for a wireless update via Over-the-Air technology or by visiting a service center.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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