Mercedes-Benz has begun delivering cars equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving technology to customers in the US, making it the first automaker in the country to do so. The technology, known as Drive Pilot, allows drivers to partially disengage from the driving experience while the car takes over certain functions. However, this feature can only be used in California and Nevada for now as part of a testing phase to determine its effectiveness.
One way to identify a Mercedes with Drive Pilot engaged is by looking for the turquoise lights integrated into the car’s exterior. This color of lighting was specially approved for autonomous driving purposes, and it has become a standard feature in vehicles equipped with similar technologies. Despite delays in the release of these Level 3 cars, Mercedes is now making them available to consumers who are willing to pay an additional annual fee for the Drive Pilot subscription.
While Drive Pilot provides a more advanced level of autonomy compared to systems like Tesla’s Autopilot, it still requires some level of human oversight. Drivers can only use the system on approved roads or certain freeways at speeds below 40 mph and during daylight hours. If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention or is engaging in distracting behavior, it will prompt them to take manual control of the vehicle.
Testing conducted on Drive Pilot by CNET in 2022 showed that the system is designed for slow city driving scenarios, such as traffic jams, where minimal maneuvering is necessary. The technology handles these situations smoothly and consistently, offering a more refined experience compared to Level 2 systems like Tesla’s Autopilot or GM’s Super Cruise. Activating Drive Pilot is straightforward, with buttons on the steering wheel and turquoise lights in the cabin indicating when the system is active.
Level 3 autonomous driving represents a significant advancement in vehicle autonomy, allowing cars to make decisions on their own with less human intervention. While drivers can temporarily disengage from monitoring the road, they must still be prepared to take control if the system encounters a scenario it cannot handle. This level of autonomy provides a balance between driver assistance and human responsibility, ensuring that safety remains a top priority. As the technology continues to evolve, there may be further improvements in the capabilities of Level 3 autonomous driving systems.
