Posted on 01/27/2023 5:17:31 PM PST by algore
Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT self-certified in state of Nevada for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving DRIVE PILOT available in the U.S. for model year 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in the second half of 2023
Mercedes-Benz is the world's first automotive company to bring SAE Level 31 conditionally automated driving to the U.S., with Nevada being the first state to confirm the compliance of the system with state regulations. This significant milestone sets the ground-breaking Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system apart as the first and only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on U.S. public freeways. Complying with the requirements of Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, DRIVE PILOT will allow the driver to hand over the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under certain conditions. Mercedes-Benz has the ambition to continue to expand to California later this year with the certification documents already filed with state authorities. DRIVE PILOT will be available in the U.S. market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in the second half of 2023.
"In the modern world, time is one of the most precious commodities, and giving back time to our customers is a core element in our strategy to build the world's most desirable cars. Our DRIVE PILOT takes a major step forward in achieving that, and places us at the very forefront of innovation in the crucially important field of automated driving. DRIVE PILOT demonstrates once more that our pioneering spirit is part of our DNA. Certification in Nevada marks the start of its international rollout and, with it, the dawning of a new era."
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Development and Procurement.
On suitable freeway sections and where there is high traffic density, DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the dynamic driving task, up to the speed of 40 mph. The control buttons needed for this are located in the steering wheel rim, on the left and right above the thumb recesses. Once conditions are suitable, the system indicates availability on the control buttons. When the driver activates DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the speed and distance, and effortlessly guides the vehicle 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, e.g. by evasive maneuvers within the lane or by braking maneuvers.
"An unwavering commitment to innovation has consistently guided Mercedes-Benz from the very beginning. It is a very proud moment for everyone to continue this leadership and celebrate this monumental achievement as the first automotive company to be certified for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the U.S. market."
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA.
I have never had a Benz. I would buy a nice 450sl or 560sl convertible if the right deal came up. I thought about buying a w124 and almost did, dont remember why I didnt ?
This will not end well...
“Conditional”...
1. suitable freeway sections
2. high traffic density
3. up to 40 mph
Sounds really useful...for the LA market.
Back in the day people used to say, “If I get run over by a car I hope it’s a Mercedes.”
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz...
This sounds a lot like Tesla Auto Pilot - except Auto Pilot is available now on any Tesla, works up to 80 mph and can be used on any freeway. I don’t see the difference.
—”This sounds a lot like Tesla Auto Pilot “
MB is advertising this as Level 3, Tesla is currently a level 2.
Level 2
Tesla’s Autopilot is classified as Level 2 under the SAE six levels (0 to 5) of vehicle automation. At this level, the car can act autonomously, but requires the driver to monitor the driving at all times and be prepared to take control at a moment’s notice.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Autopilot
I honestly can’t see it working well in the ATL market, which is the home of MB North America. There is a TON of construction right now on the highways (GA400 and I-285) in the vicinity of their HQ. Stuff is all the time changing around, lane closures, new ramps opening, lanes shifting around, etc. I can’t imagine a current gen AI keeping up with it all.
Part of the love of taking a motor trip is driving. I do most of the driving and it is fun, especially with a great car.
Judging from history bicyclist, pedestrians, commuter traffic, and broad sided semi’s most at risk.
I wonder if the sports books in Lost Wages have an over/under for the first fatality?
my newest car is 2001, it is a red manual vert.
do auto driving cars have a use? Absolutely
If I was 30 something and I was in a traffic hell city, would I want a cheap no frills electric one for commuting ? Oh yes.
I am assuming my grandchildren will be singing something like this:
________
My uncle has a country place, that no-one knows about
He says it used to be a farm, before the Motor Law
Sundays I elude the ‘Eyes’, and hop the Turbine Freight
To far outside the Wire, where my white-haired uncle waits
Jump to the ground
As the Turbo slows to cross the borderline
Run like the wind
As excitement shivers up and down my spine
Down in his barn
My uncle preserved for me an old machine –
For fifty-odd years
To keep it as new has been his dearest dream
I strip away the old debris, that hides a shining car
A brilliant red Barchetta, from a better, vanished time
Fire up the willing engine, responding with a roar!
Tires spitting gravel, I commit my weekly crime…
Will these Auto Pilot vehicles still have the ability to run over squirrels and opossums?
Good thing since there aren’t enough people to drive them /s
Solutions for problems that don’t exist — innovation!!!
“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz...”
Janis . . .
Faded lane markers and construction have tripped up Teslas in the San Francisco Bay Area. I think one guy was killed when his Tesla ran into the blunt end of a temporary construction center divider.
Yep
Wonder how well they’ll handle those awful, multi-lane traffic circles during heavy traffic.
Deer are the really dangerous critters. About 200 deaths per year caused by hitting a deer.
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