Mercedes-Benz Scraps Level 3 Autonomous Driving Feature

Mercedes-Benz is suspending the deployment of Drive Pilot, an "eyes off" conditionally automated driving capability that had been available in Europe and the US. According to initial reporting by German publication Handelsblatt, as quoted by The Verge, the updated S-Class will not feature the Level 3 system when it launches at the end of this month. Mercedes was amongst the first vehicle manufacturers to provide a Level 3 driving system to its clientele when it introduced Drive Pilot with the electric EQS saloon and the petrol-powered S-Class in autumn 2023.

Also read: Skoda Confirms 'Peaq' Name for Flagship Electric 7-Seater Launching This Summer

Operating at speeds up to 40mph in traffic congestion scenarios on motorways, Drive Pilot delivered hands-free, eyes-off driving that permitted the driver to divert attention from the road to alternative activities, such as gaming or watching films. It represented a substantial advancement from hands-free Level 2 systems -- including Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) -- which still mandate the driver maintain complete control, looking forward and remaining attentive whilst the system operates.

However, Mercedes now indicates it is temporarily discontinuing the capability, referencing modest demand and the substantial production expenses associated with developing the technology. Additionally, the manufacturer is preparing to introduce a new Level 2++ feature called Drive Pilot Assist that is launching this year. The system bears similarities to Tesla's FSD in that it can be employed in urban environments but requires the driver to remain vigilant.

"We don't want to offer a system which customer-wise doesn't have much benefits and we know another system will come with the next two [or] three years with much more customer benefit," Mercedes spokesperson Tobias Mueller was quoted as saying.

Mueller stated that Drive Pilot's customer appeal was constrained by its operational design domain, or ODD, referring to the set of specific circumstances and criteria necessary for the system to function. The system was only legally permitted for use in Germany within Europe, and on certain motorways in California and Nevada in the United States.

Mueller indicated Mercedes may choose to integrate Drive Pilot with Drive Pilot Assist at some juncture in the future, when the regulatory climate becomes more accommodating.