Mercedes competes with Tesla in the field of self-driving
The German automaker has increased the top speed of its Drive Pilot autonomous driving system from 65 km/h to 95 km/h, albeit only in Germany for now.
Mercedes has introduced Level 3 autonomous driving without using hands and eyes through a technology called Drive Pilot.
The Drive Pilot sensor suite includes cameras, radar units, ultrasonic sensors, a lidar unit, as well as high-precision GPS and access to continuously updated high-resolution maps.
Previously, Drive Pilot could only be used at speeds below 65 km/h.
Mercedes engineers in Germany have found a way to enhance the technology, as the company announced that the Drive Pilot system has received a major upgrade in Germany.
Starting in early 2025, Mercedes vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot will get a speed upgrade.
Instead of sticking to a speed of up to 65 km/h, the improved Drive Pilot system can drive the car at a maximum speed of up to 95 km/h on the German Autobahn.
Mercedes' chief technology officer, Markus Schäfer, said the increased speed allows drivers to use their time more efficiently.
According to the company, this could include secondary activities, such as working, browsing the internet, watching TV or even streaming a movie while Drive Pilot is driving the car.
Mercedes says the new update won't require any new external hardware, such as lidar, radar or camera equipment, but is instead a software update awaiting re-certification from Germany's Federal Transport Authority.
Once regulators approve the new update, existing Drive Pilot owners can upgrade for free, or eligible vehicle owners without Drive Pilot can purchase it for a fee of €5,950.
In Germany, the maximum speed for self-driving vehicles is up to 130 km/h, and Mercedes aims to reach this speed by 2030.
In addition, the company is testing Level 4 autonomous driving on Chinese roads. This level will enable the car to operate on its own under specific conditions for an extended period.
Mercedes aims to develop a level 5 system capable of operating at the level of a human driver.
The company designed the Drive Pilot system for Mercedes owners to use on highways, specifically in the right lane of the highway with another vehicle in front of it to follow.
In addition, for safety, Mercedes lets other drivers on the road know that the driver behind the wheel is using this feature.
Starting in the 2026 model year, S-Class and EQS vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot will feature turquoise lights to signal to other drivers that the feature is in use.