Mercedes-Benz upgrades self-driving tech, awaiting approval for 95 kph limit in Germany: Report

Mercedes-Benz announced that its vehicles equipped with its automated driving system will soon be capable of autonomous driving at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour on German motorways under specific conditions, according to Reuters.  The upgrade is pending certification by Germany's motor transport authority, which is expected by the end of 2024. Sales of the enhanced system, known as DRIVE PILOT, are set to begin next year, the news wire reported. 

The DRIVE PILOT system allows the car to take control of driving when there is a vehicle ahead and clear visibility, enabling drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods. However, drivers must remain ready to take over within seconds if needed, Reuters reported. 

Mercedes-Benz plans to upgrade existing cars equipped with the technology to raise the maximum autonomous speed from the current 60 kph to 95 kph, free of charge for owners, Reuters reported. Under this system, the cars will operate at level 3 of the five levels of autonomous driving, where the vehicle can handle most tasks but requires the driver to take control when prompted, Reuters reported. 

To alert other drivers, Mercedes-Benz has installed a turquoise light on the front of vehicles using the system, a color the company hopes will become a standard for signaling automated driving mode, according to Reuters. 

The company aims to further increase the system’s operating speed to 130 kph, though no timeline was provided for this goal to the Reuters. Mercedes has already conducted tests for the Level 3 system in Beijing and has received approval to use it on specific highways in California and Nevada in the United States, Reuters reported. 

While China is being cautious and thoroughly reviewing safety data, Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer Markus Schaefer expressed optimism that the level 3 system would soon be approved for wider use in China, anticipating rapid market expansion once it is authorized, the news wire claimed.