The first level 3 certified system last December, Mercedes’ Drive Pilot will be offered as an option on two of the brand’s vehicles from May 17.
At the end of 2021, Mercedes became the first manufacturer to obtain level 3 autonomous driving certification for its traffic jam driving assistant called “Drive Pilot”. The German brand will market its first vehicles equipped with this self-driving technology from May 17. The two eligible models are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the EQS electric car.
When the vehicle is traveling at less than 60 km/h
Buyers can opt for the optional Drive Pilot system. As we detailed in an article published at the end of March, this device can certainly provide autonomous driving, but only under certain conditions.
In concrete terms, the Drive Pilot is likely to take control of the vehicle on a route previously archived by Mercedes, free of any work, roundabouts and other traffic lights, and only when the vehicle’s speed is less than 60 km/h; in other words, mainly on a highway with heavy traffic.
In this context, the driver will have the opportunity to let the Drive Pilot drive his car. During this time, he can watch a film on the central screen or simply browse the internet. No question of taking a nap, however, since the driver must always be able to regain control in a few seconds.
An option charged a few thousand euros
On the price side, customers will have to pay an additional 5,000 euros to afford the services of the Drive Pilot with an S Class and 7,430 euros with an EQS.
Britta Seeger, a member of the board of directors of Mercedes, boasted: ” Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to put a Level 3 system into series production with valid international certification. We are initially offering this technology in Germany in the S-Class and the EQS. Subsequently, we also want to obtain certification for the United States by the end of the year. “.
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Source : 20mins
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