Huge autonomous first for Mercedes-Benz

Big news at Mercedes-Benz. The German manufacturer has received approval for its Level 3 autonomous driving systems. This makes it the first in the world.

Photos: Martijn Bravenboer

But aren’t there already many more manufacturers that can drive their cars partially autonomously? And isn’t Tesla’s Auto Pilot allowed to drive itself in the United States? That’s all right, but no manufacturer has yet worldwide approval for a level 3 system. Until now, because Mercedes-Benz owns it. This means that the manufacturer’s Drive Pilot system may be rolled out worldwide, subject to local legislation.

Only in Germany

The ‘but’ is immediately there, because that is currently not allowed in almost any country. Only Germany currently has such legislation in Europe. There, a car is allowed to drive ‘highly automated’ up to a speed of 60 km/h. It means that the S-class and EQS can take the work off the driver’s hands in heavy traffic or in a traffic jam.

In addition, the scheme will not come into effect until mid-2022. Then you can use the system at 13,191 kilometers from the German asphalt. Mercedes-Benz is currently working hard to introduce the Drive Pilot system in other countries, such as China and the United States. If other countries also adjust their legislation in this area, the German car manufacturer will also roll out the systems there.

Not autonomous

Also note: an autonomous driving system at Level 3 does not mean that the car can drive everywhere by itself. The Mercedes-Benz cars mentioned are now able to drive autonomously on the highway, so that the cars can remain between the road markings and at a safe distance from the oncoming vehicle. In the case of a step above that, ie Level 4, we can almost speak of a self-driving car. In that case, a car is also able to drive largely autonomously in built-up areas and to take exits and intersections. Provided the weather conditions allow, because the driver must be able to take over the wheel at all times. At the highest and most ideal level of autonomous driving, Level 5, the steering wheel and pedals are no longer needed. We have not reached that point yet, and the question is whether it is will ever get this far.

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