As I sat in traffic, surrounded by vehicles with their brake lights lit up in front of me, I found myself engrossed in a clip from the movie “Days of Thunder” playing on the dashboard of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS. The interesting thing was, I wasn’t actually driving the car – it was driving itself. This innovative feature, called Drive Pilot by Mercedes-Benz, is not just another misleadingly named Auto Pilot system that requires constant attention from the driver. Instead, it is a Level 3 self-driving system that can autonomously drive up to 40 mph on certain highways.
Soon, the 2024 EQS and S-Class sedans equipped with Drive Pilot will be available for purchase by U.S. consumers, making them the first vehicles with a Level 3 hands-free driver-assist system that can be legally owned. Initially, the cars will be introduced in California and Nevada, the only two states where this technology is legal.
So, what exactly is Drive Pilot and what does it do? It is a hands-free system that can operate without the driver’s attention, but the driver must be ready to take over whenever the system requires it. While the driver cannot take a nap or close their eyes, reclining the seat or turning the head towards the road is necessary to be prepared to take control. Interestingly, activities like watching movies, surfing the internet, or playing video games on the touchscreen are allowed. However, reading emails or texts on the phone is prohibited by U.S. laws, and a ticket would be the driver’s responsibility.
Drive Pilot is primarily designed to be used in heavy traffic situations. Currently, it operates at speeds up to 40 mph, but Mercedes plans to increase this limit to 55 mph by the end of 2024. There are certain conditions under which the system will not work, including rain, snow, nighttime, and construction zones. Additionally, the system requires a lead vehicle to be detected in front of the Drive Pilot-equipped car and will return control to the driver if an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens approaches.
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One notable feature of Drive Pilot is its ability to accommodate and recognize lane splitting by motorcycles, which is legal and accepted in California. To ensure safety, the system utilizes a range of advanced safety equipment, including long-range radar, a surround-view camera system, ultrasonic parking sensors, infrared cameras to monitor the driver, and more. It also incorporates a redundant braking system, steering system, and wheel rotation sensors for additional safety measures.
Similar to GM’s Super Cruise, Drive Pilot relies on HD lidar map data provided by Here Technologies. All freeways in California and Nevada that meet the system’s requirements are mapped, although the exact mileage of mapped roads has not been disclosed by Mercedes.
Using Drive Pilot is simple. Once on the highway and in traffic under 40 mph, white lights on the steering wheel signal that the system is ready for engagement. By tapping a silver button below either light, the system will activate. In the engaged mode, the lights turn teal, the gauge cluster changes graphics, and even the climate control indicators turn teal. The driver can adjust the pre-set following distance using the adaptive cruise control button on the steering wheel.
If the system detects any signs that the driver is not ready to take over, such as not facing forward or not looking at the road, it will request the driver’s attention via an alert. Failure to respond will initiate a kick-down sequence, with the car eventually coming to a stop, activating the hazard lights, and contacting an emergency call center.
In terms of visual indicators, Drive Pilot does not yet have teal lights around the vehicle to indicate autonomous operation, as it is awaiting regulatory approval. Mercedes-Benz intends to apply for an exemption as an interim measure to allow the use of such lights.
Mercedes-Benz takes on the legal liability for any issues that may arise while Drive Pilot is engaged. However, the driver must adhere to the system’s guidelines and maintain the vehicle in proper condition. Liability depends on the circumstances of each accident, with injuries or faults falling on Mercedes-Benz if the system is at fault and the driver has followed the rules. If the driver has not complied with guidelines or failed to perform their due diligence, Mercedes-Benz cannot accept fault.
During my testing of Drive Pilot, I found that the system performed as advertised. It safely navigated me through traffic while I enjoyed various entertainment activities. Though it does have limitations, like not working in certain weather conditions or at night, Drive Pilot is undoubtedly a significant step towards full autonomy on the roads.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot is a Level 3 self-driving system that allows for hands-free operation in specific traffic scenarios. With its impressive safety features and intuitive controls, Drive Pilot promises a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience while still prioritizing driver engagement and safety. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, systems like Drive Pilot represent the future of transportation, where drivers can relax and enjoy the journey while technology takes care of the rest.
