Mercedes-Benz Makes Headway With Its Drive Pilot Level 3 System
Drive Pilot Level 3
Although we certainly have ways to go before we’re ready to fully embrace self-driving vehicles in our lives, there’s no denying that is something to expect in the future. Virtually every car manufacturer and supplier business is making great strides in bringing this concept to the real world, and one of these companies includes Mercedes-Benz. The luxury German automaker is pushing to bring Level 3 conditional automation to the North American market at some point this year (2022).
According to the Detroit-based newspaper, Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz recently revealed this significant information as part of last year’s 2021 financial-results presentation. During this presentation, the company’s CEO, Ola Kallenius said that their aim isn’t just to come out with the Drive Pilot system in North America in 2022, but to make it widely accessible rather than just a couple of models. On that note, the company is testing this technology and cooperating with US authorities.
On highways that have a reasonable stretch, the Drive Pilot system permits the car to accelerate, steer, and stop by itself at speeds up to 37 mph. What qualifies this technology as an SAE Level 3 conditional autonomous system is that the driver doesn’t have to continually manage the vehicle, instead choosing to play around with the infotainment system or perhaps even with their smartphone. At some point, however, the motorist must be ready to take the wheel, when necessary, should this technology show any signs of being less than functional. For all that, the Drive Pilot system should be a comforting feature for those in rush hour traffic.
In December 2021, the German government gave Mercedes-Benz permission to test its Level 3 autonomous system, making it the first car company with this admission. The system has been approved to drive for nearly 8,200 miles of highway in the region.
Also in Germany, the Drive Pilot system will be accessible on the flagship S-Class sedan for the initial half of this year (2022) and will be available on the fully-electric EQS 4-door, as well. It’s not clear exactly which vehicles will include the Drive Pilot in the States, but the S-Class and EQS are most likely to have them.
While full-on autonomous cars haven’t fully come into fruition, automakers like Mercedes-Benz are working hard on getting there. Other car manufacturers are also making headway, such as General Motors with their Super Cruise technology, as well as their upcoming Ultra Cruse. There’s also Ford’s all-new BlueCruise.
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The Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system also involves additional LiDAR sensors, cameras, and a moisture sensor in the wheel well. This technology also encompasses failsafe measures for the steering, braking, and electrical systems.
If you’re interested in all that the luxury brand has to offer, visit our website, Mercedes-Benz of Washington. We carry a wide range of vehicles from the brand that range in different shapes and sizes.
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