Mercedes Hands-Off Driving Tech Gets Boost; Watch Movies at 59 MPH

Mercedes has upgraded its hands-off automated driving assistance tech, enabling it to operate at significantly higher speeds.

The latest version of Drive Pilot, available on selected Mercedes models, will offer Level 3 functionality at speeds of up to 59 mph in Germany.

That’s a notable hike from the previous maximum speed allowed, which was 37 mph and makes it the world’s fastest Level 3 system offered in a production vehicle.

It essentially means that users will be able to activate the tech in much faster-flowing traffic than was previously the case, although there are limitations. These include the necessity for the Mercedes to be in the right lane of a motorway and following a car ahead of it, plus it will never exceed the statutory speed limit.

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Level 3 is considered conditional “hands off, eyes off” automation by the Society of Automotive Engineers, which means the car is in control of the driving in certain scenarios, allowing the human behind the wheel to focus on other activities – although they must be prepared to take over control if required.

It has been offered on variants of the S-Class sedan and electric EQS in Mercedes’ home market since 2022 after the automaker became the first in the world to receive internationally valid certification for Level 3 tech.

Related:Mercedes ‘Hands off, Eyes off’ Driving Now Available in the US

The functionality is facilitated by an array of lidar, radar and ultrasonic sensors positioned around the car’s body, as well as cameras and a GPR antenna.

According to Mercedes, it will be available for customers to order at the beginning of 2025, subject to regulatory approval from the country’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, which is expected by the end of this year.

The price to order Drive Pilot will remain the same – $6,615 – and customers with cars that already have the tech will be able to upgrade through an over-the-air update or workshop visit, depending on the model.

Markus Schäfer, a member of the board at Mercedes, said: “With this upgraded Drive Pilot version, Mercedes-Benz is again underlining its pioneering role in automated driving. It will soon be possible to activate conditionally automated driving up to 95 km/h in flowing traffic under certain conditions on the German motorway. 

“With this, our customers can use even more of their time more efficiently. Mercedes-Benz is once again setting industry standards and steadily paving the way to autonomous driving.” 

Ultimately, the long-term aim is for Mercedes to increase the speed that Drive Pilot can function at 81 mph which is currently the legally permitted maximum for conditionally automated driving in Germany. The firm says this should be achievable by “the end of the decade.” 

Related:Mercedes’ Drive Pilot Self-Driving Tech Available

The new upgrade is for German market cars only, even though Drive Pilot is offered in Nevada and California in the United States. Availability there will depend on regulatory approval.

Separately, Mercedes has revealed a new option to while away the time while Drive Pilot is in control, by adding Sony’s RIDEVU movie streaming service to the apps that can be used on its in-car infotainment package.