Mercedes-Benz Eyes New Drive Pilot Technology
Mercedes-Benz is aiming to implement new headlight and taillight colors as part of its autonomous driving feature. Landing on a turquoise blue, Mercedes states that its Mercedes Drive Pilot feature will allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, their feet off the pedal, and even their eyes off the road. While this sounds dangerous, the German automaker has designed the feature to only operate during a specific scenario to mitigate any potential risks. As of late, Mercedes has been focused on EVs and building up charging stations throughout the US. This autonomous feature is the latest development from the automaker and it aims to transform how consumers drive. We’ll take a closer look at this new technology and see how Mercedes plans to implement such a revolutionary feature.
Mercedes-Benz Incorporates Turquoise Lights As Part Of Autonomous Driving
Mercedes-Benz is planning to roll out a revolutionary new autonomous driving feature called Drive Pilot. This self-driving feature deviates from other autonomous features in that it offers drivers the ability to take their eyes off the road in addition to their hands and feet off the wheel and pedal. While this sounds alarming, Mercedes has implemented restraints on the feature so that it may only function under specific conditions. These conditions are met when the vehicle is traveling on select major highways at a speed of less than 40 miles per hour. Ideally, it would be used during traffic jams. Once traffic lightens and the vehicle accelerates past 40 mph, the autonomous feature would then alert drivers that they need to take back control.
Mercedes-Benz is also implementing new changes to its headlights and taillights. Vehicles equipped with the new Drive Pilot feature will feature turquoise lights to help other drivers know that the vehicle is being controlled autonomously. It also lets police officers know that drivers are not being reckless should they decide to take their eyes off the road. In coming up with the perfect headlight and taillight color, Mercedes requested help from the Society of Automotive Engineers. Together the two settled on the blue shade of turquoise as it stands out from the typical red, white, and amber colors normally associated with vehicles. It is also different from police lights.
Mercedes is the first automaker to receive approval for the turquoise lights. The states of California and Nevada are also the only ones to approve both the new lights and Mercedes’ Drive Pilot technology. Initially, only the S-Class and EQS models will feature the Drive Pilot system. As the technology gets tested and implemented in real-life scenarios, we may see the Drive Pilot feature across more Mercedes-Benz models. For now, consumers can expect the S-Class and EQS to receive the autonomous technology in early 2024. Consumers who purchase these models will only be able to use the feature on designed highways in California and Nevada. While this is only the beginning, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to completely transform how consumers drive.
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Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz