Mercedes-Benz has gained approval by the German government for the use of its Level 3 autonomous driving technology, set to be rolled out come 2022 on the S-Class and the all-electric EQS.
The Drive Pilot technology, has gained approval for use by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, a move Mercedes states, will pave the way for its use internationally, provided that national legislation allows it.
The controls for the autonomous drive are located on the steering wheel, on the left and right above the thumb recesses, and can control the speed and distance of the vehicle, effortlessly guiding it within its lane.
The route profile, events occurring on the route and traffic signs are correspondingly taken into consideration. The system also reacts to unexpected traffic situations and handles them independently, for example, by evasive manoeuvres within the lane or by braking manoeuvres.
The special Drive Pilot, Mercedes states, takes the strain off the driver and will allow him or her to perform ancillary tasks on the central display such as online shopping or processing e-mails. Extensive test drives for this system in other countries is also already underway, including in the U.S.A and China. As soon as there is a national legal framework for conditionally automated operation in additional markets, the technology will be rolled out step by step.
