Mercedes-Benz is ready to take a big step towards autonomous drivability. Its self-driving tech named Drive Pilot will soon be available for its two flagship sedans – the S-Class and the all-electric EQS. It will be conditional for Germany at an extra cost. From May 17, the customers of these two sedans can order autonomous tech, giving them the liberty to hand over the entire control of the vehicles to Drive Pilot under specific circumstances.
The German automotive giant is the first carmaker in the whole world that gain international authorisation for Level 3 self-driving tech in December 2021. Of course, offering autonomous tech on its vehicles should be the next rational step. The automaker demands €5,000 for the self-driving tech on the S-Class and €7,430 on the EQS, respectively. These prices translate to about US$5,260 and US$7,813 at the present exchange rates. The system includes both the hardware and software, with no subscription required.
Please do not mistake the self-driving tech with full autonomy. The Level 3 system is not completely autonomous, though drivers can give full control to the vehicle. It means the car can drive itself in heavy traffic and on certain highways in Germany at up to speeds of 60 kilometres per hour.
The driver can take their hands off the wheels as the system manages the speed and distance between other vehicles on the road as well as keep the car within its lane. More noteworthy, the tech is capable to handle uncertain situations and prevent risky maneuvers. The driver should be ready to take control in case of any unforeseen situation the system can’t handle.
“Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to put a Level 3 system with international valid certification into series production,” Britta Seeger, member of the board of management at the company, proudly says. “As a first step, we are offering this world-leading technology in Germany in the S-Class and the EQS. At the same time, we also want to receive certification in the US by the end of the year.”
The global approval Mercedes received last year in December does not mean its autonomous-tech-capable cars can hit any road in the world. Every nation has its own regulations regarding self-driving systems. The German automaker is presently in talks with the U.S. authorities to get approval for its autonomous systems to be used around America.
We are not sure when this tech will be available for GCC countries. However, seeing the onslaught on electrification and self-driving tech, it won’t take long to see the new Mercedes techs here.
Source and Images: Motor1