Mercedes-Benz Improves Its Self-Driving System

Mercedes-Benz is improving its autonomous driving system, Drive Pilot. This version of self-driving allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, their feet off the pedal, and even their eyes off the road. Mercedes has been diligent in implementing its Drive Pilot system ensuring its safety and practicality. Currently, several restrictions limit its function namely that the driver must have a car ahead to follow for the system to work. When using Drive Pilot the vehicle is also restricted to a speed limit of 40 mph, however, this is set to change. As of late, Mercedes-Benz has been favoring ICEs over EVs. This shift in focus has led the German automaker toward a new S-Class series consisting of ICEs and hybrids. Despite this shift, autonomous driving remains a priority. We’ll take a closer look at Mercedes-Benz’ Drive Pilot and see what consumers can expect.

Drive Pilot Sees Speed Limit Upgrade

Mercedes-Benz is improving its Drive Pilot autonomous driving system. This version of self-driving allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, their feet off the pedal, and their eyes off the road. To ensure the safety of the driver and others around them, Mercedes has implemented several restrictions on Drive Pilot. This includes specific scenarios such as a lead car in front of the vehicle utilizing Drive Pilot. There is also a speed limit restriction–40 mph. Drive Pilot is also only available on highways in California and Nevada however this is changing. Germany is expected to allow the autonomous driving system on its highways along with an increase to its speed limit–up to 59 mph. This comes with an added restriction which limits Mercedes vehicles to the right lane of the highway. Eventually, Mercedes-Benz will increase this speed limit to 80 mph.

To distinguish between vehicles using Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz has incorporated turquoise lights into its vehicle’s headlights and taillights. This turquoise light will help other drivers know that the vehicle is being autonomously controlled. It will also let police officers know drivers are not being reckless should they take their eyes off the road. Mercedes-Benz has implemented a sensor suite for its Drive Pilot system that uses cameras, radar units, ultrasonic sensors, and a GPS that continuously updates.

Currently, only the S-Class and EQS models feature Drive Pilot. As Mercedes-Benz continues to test its self-driving system, other models will see the feature implemented. The German automaker is aiming toward Level 4 self-driving. This mode of autonomous driving allows vehicles to operate on their own within a set of parameters. Eventually, Mercedes-Benz will reach Level 5 self-driving which will operate on the same level as a human driver. California and Nevada are set to see an increase in speed to 55 mph however Germany will provide the crux of the testing. For now, we’ll be staying tuned for more information. 

Come Test Drive a Brand-New Mercedes-Benz at Mercedes-Benz of Washington!

Are you excited about getting a new Mercedes-Benz? So are we! At Mercedes-Benz of Washington, we’re more than excited to help our customers find what they’re looking for. Check out our new vehicle inventory or browse our quality pre-owned vehicles. We offer suggestions like auto financing to help make paying for a vehicle easier. 

If you’re in need of service, schedule an online service appointment with our expert technicians. Allow our professional techs to get started on all repairs or maintenance work. Stop by today and see what we can do for you right now.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz