Mercedes-Benz gets green light for Level 3 autonomous tech

Mercedes-Benz has gained full approval for the use of Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads in Germany from early 2022 with its latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS limos.

Considered a landmark moment for autonomous driving, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) granted Mercedes-Benz approval for use of the Level 3 version of its Drive Pilot.

Instead of allowing blanket use, Drive Pilot will initially only be capable of being used on 13,190km of autobahn and at speeds of up to just 60km/h, making it only useful in congested traffic.

When in operation, the driver can take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, allowing them to watch TV on the infotainment system, reply to emails or texts and even read a newspaper.

Crucially, while Drive Pilot is operating in these conditions, Mercedes-Benz remains legally liable for any mistakes or collisions caused.

Using a system of LiDAR sensors, cameras, HD 3D mapping and even microphones, the autonomous driving tech can even perform an emergency procedure if the driver doesn't take back control after numerous prompts.

Mercedes-Benz is the first car-maker in the world to meet the legal requirements of the KBA's tough rules imposed on self-driving vehicles.

Commenting on the new technology's approval in Germany, Mercedes' chief technical boss Markus Schafer said: "For many years, we have been working to realise our vision of automated driving. With this LiDAR0based system, we have developed an innovative technology for our vehicles that offers customers a unique, luxurious driving experience and gives them what matters most: time.

"With the approval of the authorities, we have now achieved a breakthrough. We are the first manufacturer to put conditionally automated driving into series production in Germany.

"With this milestone, we are once again proving our pioneering work in automated driving and also initiating a radical paradigm shift. For the first time in 136 years of automotive history, the vehicle takes over the dynamic driving task under certain conditions.

"At the same time, we are pleased that Germany is continuing its pioneering role in automated driving with this approval."

Behind the scenes, Mercedes-Benz has already developed Drive Pilot to operate at speeds of at least 130km/h and is expected to beginning lobbying the KBA to raise the threshold it's legally allowed to be used at in the coming months.