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Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce a higher level of autonomous driving for its US customers by the second half of 2023, according to an announcement made Thursday.
The German automotive company's "Drive Pilot" system is equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving features based on the standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
The feature will be available as an option for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQs Sedan models, the company said. A US price point was not disclosed. In Germany, the system costs $5,300 on the S-Class and about $8,000 on the EQS model, according to Auto News Europe.
Unlike a Level 2 system, which requires constant supervision from the driver as the vehicle steers and accelerates, Level 3 automation gives drivers more leeway. The SAE defines Level 3 as a system where the user is not driving when "automated driving features are engaged — even if you are seated in 'the driver's seat.'"
A driver, for example, can move their head and eyes away from the road to talk with a passenger or watch a movie, according to The Drive, an automotive news outlet that tested the Drive Pilot system.
During the demo, the test driver played Tetris and browsed the internet as the Mercedes EQS handled all aspects of driving.
www.businessinsider.com
The German automotive company's "Drive Pilot" system is equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving features based on the standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
The feature will be available as an option for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQs Sedan models, the company said. A US price point was not disclosed. In Germany, the system costs $5,300 on the S-Class and about $8,000 on the EQS model, according to Auto News Europe.
Unlike a Level 2 system, which requires constant supervision from the driver as the vehicle steers and accelerates, Level 3 automation gives drivers more leeway. The SAE defines Level 3 as a system where the user is not driving when "automated driving features are engaged — even if you are seated in 'the driver's seat.'"
A driver, for example, can move their head and eyes away from the road to talk with a passenger or watch a movie, according to The Drive, an automotive news outlet that tested the Drive Pilot system.
During the demo, the test driver played Tetris and browsed the internet as the Mercedes EQS handled all aspects of driving.
Mercedes-Benz says it has achieved Level 3 automation, which requires less driver input, surpassing the self-driving capabilities of Tesla and other major US automakers
Mercedes-Benz will introduce its "Drive Pilot" system to the US market in Nevada and plans to expand to California.
www.businessinsider.com
