Mercedes-Benz (DDAIF) -) has become the first carmaker in the world to receive U.S. approval to deploy a level three self-driving system. A limited fleet of EQS sedans equipped with the technology — dubbed Drive Pilot — will roll out later in the year in California and Nevada, the first two states to approve the system. The automaker plans to expand deliveries of Drive Pilot in early 2024.
The system's level three classification allows for hands-free driving, similar to other driver assist systems. But Drive Pilot takes an additional step, allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road. Despite this, drivers must still to be ready to take over if needed.
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The automated system, however, has a series of built-in limitations. Drive Pilot can only be enabled at speeds below 40 mph on highway sections it deems safe for use. Conditions have to be dry and clear, lane markings must be visible, the route must be mapped by the Mercedes and there must be a car in front for the Mercedes to follow.
It is designed for highly trafficked highways.
As of Sept. 27, the system is available only through an annual subscription in the amount of $2,500, though Mercedes said other offerings will be made available at a later date.
The system's highly precise positioning is made possible through a sensory combination of lidar, cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, a combination that experts have said is vital in having a safe self-driving car. It also comes equipped with fail-safes and redundancies in the event one component fails.
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"Drive Pilot is a technological game changer and incredible leap forward in the pursuit of conditionally automated driving," Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said in a statement. "This ground-breaking system reinforces our intention to lead in safety and technology, while giving precious time back to our customers during heavy traffic situations."
Mercedes has said that it will assume full legal liability when Drive Pilot is active, an industry first. And in a further effort to roll out this technology in an ethical way, the company developed marker lights that will activate when Drive Pilot is engaged to inform other drivers when a car is driving itself.
Tesla (TSLA) -) has been talking about true full self-driving tech for years. Currently, Tesla's FSD is a level two system, meaning hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
"Mercedes-Benz’s bold plan for Drive Pilot is tempered by its sensibly cautious approach," an Ars Technica test driver wrote of the system. "The incremental rollout will build consumer confidence along with its assumption of liability. Despite its conditional limitations, it’s an impressive execution with much future potential."
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