Mercedes-Benz Secures Approval for Level 3 Automated Driving Tests in Beijing

• Published On: 21 December 2023
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By the end of the decade, the automaker wants to progressively raise the freeway availability of the system to 130 kmph.

Mercedes-Benz has been granted permission to carry out Level 3 conditionally automated driving tests on specific Beijing highways.

The company's Drive Pilot Level 3 automated driving system is designed to increase dependability and safety. A variety of cutting-edge sensors are integrated into it, including moisture sensors, stereo and multipurpose cameras, microphones for emergency vehicle detection, and LiDAR. It is claimed that an onboard electrical system and superfluous steering and braking systems allow for a smooth switch to manual control in the event that it becomes necessary.

Engaging in secondary activities while the vehicle is in conditionally automated driving mode is made possible by the Drive Pilot system. This covers things like web browsing and in-car office communication. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer hopes to progressively increase the system's availability on freeways up to 130 km/h. Mercedes-Benz intends to roll out a system for Germany that can follow a car ahead on the highway at up to 90 km/h as a stopgap.

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Mercedes-Benz's strategy in China is to adapt its automated driving technologies to the specific needs of the region. Since 2021, China has been conducting extensive testing and validation of proving grounds, with the main goal being to optimize the Level 3 system to conform to the country's unique traffic patterns, road infrastructure, and signage.

Drive Pilot is a voluntary characteristic for conditionally automated driving that Mercedes-Benz introduced in 2022 and is available in Germany in the S-Class and the all-electric EQS sedan. A small number of Level 3-equipped EQS Sedans with the production-ready Drive Pilot software have already been driven on US roads in Nevada and California. Early in 2024, customers can anticipate receiving deliveries of MY2024 EQS Sedans and S-Class models outfitted with Drive Pilot.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement commented, "Mercedes-Benz as the leader in automated driving technology is dedicated to providing the best customer experience - worldwide. After bringing our DRIVE PILOT to Germany and the U.S., the testing licence in Beijing is the next important milestone to get conditionally automated driving ready for Chinese roads. We will incorporate all our global expertise to support the local R&D team for a safe and reliable system design.”