Customers will be able to buy a Mercedes-Benz S-Class equipped with Drive Pilot system in Germany in the first half of 2022
Mercedes-Benz gets approval for its Drive Pilot semi-autonomous driving system in Germany. (Credit: Daimler AG)
The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has approved Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, a semi-autonomous driving system, thereby enabling the luxury car brand to start offering the equipment internationally.
According to Daimler, the owner of the car brand, customers will be able to buy an S-Class equipped with Drive Pilot in Germany in the first half of 2022.
The S-Class can be driven in conditionally automated mode at a maximum speed of 60km/h in heavy traffic or congested scenarios on suitable motorway stretches in Germany.
Daimler claimed that the Drive Pilot equipment removes the strain from the driver and enables him or her to carry out ancillary tasks on the central display, including online shopping, processing e-mails, and others in the in-car office.
The approval for the semi-autonomous driving system is also applicable to the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer Markus Schäfer, who is responsible for development and purchasing, said: “For many years, we have been working to realise our vision of automated driving. With this LiDAR based system, we have developed an innovative technology for our vehicles that offers customers a unique, luxurious driving experience and gives them what matters most: time.
“With the approval of the authorities, we have now achieved a breakthrough: We are the first manufacturer to put conditionally automated driving into series production in Germany.”
The Drive Pilot semi-autonomous driving system is initially being offered by Mercedes-Benz on 13,191km of motorway in Germany. Daimler said that as soon as there is a national legal framework for conditionally automated operation in other markets, the technology will be launched step by step.
The system is said to build on the surround sensors of Mercedes-Benz’ driving assistance package. It features additional sensors that Mercedes-Benz believes are essential for safe conditionally automated driving.
The sensors include LiDAR, a camera located in the rear window and microphones, particularly for identifying blue lights and other special signals from emergency vehicles. The semi-autonomous driving system of Mercedes-Benz also comes with a wetness sensor in the wheel well.
Apart from the sensor data, the Drive Pilot is said to get information regarding the road geometry, traffic signs, route profile, and unusual traffic events from a digital HD map.
Earlier this month, Daimler’s supervisory board approved the Mercedes-Benz business plan for 2022 to 2026, which involves an investment of over €60bn towards preparing the luxury car brand for a software-driven and emissions-free future.