Mercedes-Benz announced on Monday that its cars equipped with the DRIVE PILOT system will soon drive autonomously at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour on German motorways, pending certification by Germany’s motor transport authority.
“Today’s announcement marked a significant milestone in our journey towards autonomous driving,” said Markus Schaefer, Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer. “We’re confident that our technology will revolutionise the driving experience.”
Mercedes-Benz’s system operates at Level 3 autonomy, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel but still requiring attention.
The auto industry defines five levels of autonomous driving, from Level 1 (cruise control) to Level 5 (fully self-driving).
Mercedes aims to increase the system’s speed limit to 130 km/h, although no timeline has been announced.
The company has already tested the Level 3 system in Beijing and received approval for use on designated highways in California and Nevada.
Schaefer expressed optimism about approval in China, citing the country’s safety-conscious approach.
“We know how quickly the market moves in China… We expect Level 3 systems to be approved very quickly, and for the market to then expand at high speed.”
Germany’s motor transport authority is expected to certify the system by the end of 2024, with sales starting in 2025.
Boluwatife Enome
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