Under certain conditions, drivers can use the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT automated driving system on a 13,191-kilometer-long German motorway network at speeds of up to 95 km/h, making DRIVE PILOT the fastest Level 3 automated driving certification system in standard production vehicles.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz said its latest DRIVE PILOT autonomous driving system is expected to go on sale in Germany in spring 2025 and the starting price will remain unchanged at 5,950 euros, including VAT. Existing DRIVE PILOT customers can get the update for free via OTA (over-the-air update technology), and the software update does not require any changes to vehicle components. According to reports, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS two luxury cars can choose to carry the DRIVE PILOT autonomous driving system.

When the DRIVE PILOT system is activated, the driver can legally engage in other activities, such as watching TV, watching movies through the SONY RIDEVU app, reading newspapers, working or resting. This allows customers to drive more frequently and for longer periods in autonomous mode, while making better use of their free time.

The goal of the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT is to provide customers with faster speeds, longer driving times, greater comfort and safety. Currently, German law allows a maximum speed of 130 km/h for self-driving cars. Mercedes-benz wants its cars with autonomous driving systems to reach that speed range by 2030.

It is worth noting that the L3 automatic driving system can take over some of the driving tasks, but still requires supervision by the driver. When the vehicle prompts the driver to intervene, the driver must always be ready to take control of the vehicle.