In short: Mercedes-Benz has change into the primary automaker to promote automobiles with Stage 3 autonomous driving expertise on to US customers. The EQS and S-Class sedans include a Drive Pilot function that does not require customers to maintain their eyes on the street, not like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving beta.
Mercedes’ Stage 3-enabled vehicles went on sale in December, although they’re solely capable of be legally offered in California and Nevada, writes Fortune. The 2 states’ DMV gave approval for the vehicles to go on sale final yr, making it the only real automaker permitted by the federal government to promote the expertise to the US public.
Drive Pilot, which requires a $2,500 per yr subscription, might be solely activated in sure conditions and areas, together with through the daytime when the climate is obvious, in heavy visitors jams, on particular California and Nevada freeways, and when the automotive is touring lower than 40 mph. It would not work on roads that have not been preapproved by Mercedes and can’t be utilized in development zones.
Customers can take their eyes off the street and fingers off the wheel whereas Drive Pilot is engaged, however they are not allowed to take naps or transfer seats, one thing we have seen individuals do in Teslas. The automobiles are outfitted with a monitoring digicam within the driver’s show to make sure the particular person behind the wheel is prepared to answer a takeover request.
Activating the function unlocks actions on the central show so the motive force can play video games, watch movies, or reap the benefits of in-car leisure options.
Street customers in California and Nevada will be capable of spot a Mercedes utilizing its autonomous driving capabilities by the turquoise-colored lights on the automobiles’ rearview mirrors, headlights, and taillights. The identical shade lights seem within the cabin to let drivers know the system is activated.
Waymo and GM’s Cruise function robotaxis with Stage 4 autonomous driving tech, although they are not obtainable for the general public to purchase. They’re additionally removed from infallible; Cruise suspended its service following an incident by which a pedestrian was hit and dragged 20 ft underneath the wheels of a automobile. Mercedes says it’s engaged on Stage 4 vehicles, although they will not be available for purchase till 2030.