Mercedes-Benz to Launch DRIVE PILOT in the United States

Mercedes-Benz will launch its production-ready version of DRIVE PILOT in the United States on September 27, 2023. The class-leading system for conditionally automated driving will be available in California and Nevada first and will roll out to other states in the future.
DRIVE PILOT is an SAE Level 3 system, which means that it can take over control of the vehicle on certain highways, but the driver must still be ready to intervene if needed. The system uses a variety of sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, to create a 360-degree view of the surrounding environment. It also uses a high-performance computer to analyze this data and make decisions about how to navigate the vehicle.
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select EQS and S-Class models and will be activated via the U.S. Mercedes me connect store starting at $2,500.
Here is a summary of the key features and benefits of Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT:
·       SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving: DRIVE PILOT can take over control of the vehicle on certain highways, but the driver must still be ready to intervene if needed.
·       High-precision positioning system: DRIVE PILOT uses a high-precision positioning system to determine the vehicle’s location within a range of inches. This allows the system to make accurate decisions about how to navigate the vehicle.
·       Digital HD map: DRIVE PILOT uses a digital HD map to provide a three-dimensional image of the road and the surroundings. This map includes information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and special traffic events.
·       Automated Driving Marker Lights: Mercedes-Benz has developed special turquoise-coloured Automated Driving Marker Lights that will identify when DRIVE PILOT is engaged. This is important for informing other drivers that the vehicle is in automated driving mode.
DRIVE PILOT is a significant step forward for automated driving technology. It is the first SAE Level 3 system to be approved for use in the United States, and it has the potential to make our roads safer and more efficient.