Mercedes-Benz is expanding the capabilities of its Level 3 "conditionally automated driving” system, Drive Pilot, by increasing the supported speed to 95 km/h on German motorways.
This shift signals the brand's confidence in pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving technology.
Once the new speed limit receives regulatory approval, Mercedes-Benz aims to have the "world’s fastest Level 3 system in a series-production vehicle".
In contrast to systems like Tesla’s Autopilot, GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise, Drive Pilot goes beyond basic driver assistance. It allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and, uniquely, avert their eyes from the road, engaging with alternate tasks such as watching a movie - albeit under specific conditions.
These include having another vehicle ahead, adequate road markings, clear weather, and sufficient light. If these conditions aren't met, the system automatically disengages, returning control to the driver.
Initially, Mercedes targeted stop-and-go traffic for this feature. By raising the maximum speed, Drive Pilot is being positioned as a feature suitable for longer road trips, potentially changing the landscape of highway driving.
However, concerns persist about the safe transition from autonomous driving back to human control. Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety underscores how re-engagement during emergencies can be risky. Drivers may panic, overcorrect or brake too hard when suddenly taking control, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
Mercedes-Benz is working on approval for visual indicators, such as turquoise lights on the exterior of vehicles, to signal when Drive Pilot is active. By the end of the decade, Mercedes aims to hit a top speed of 130 km/h for their Level 3 system in Germany, stepping closer to fully autonomous driving.