Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS to feature autonomous ‘Drive Pilot’ system in the US by 2023 – report
It's so far unclear when the self-driving system could be deployed on Australian roads.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan and its EQS electric sibling will be fitted with the manufacturer’s autonomous Drive Pilot system in the US by 2023, according to a report from Edmunds.
The ‘on-ramp to off-ramp’ technology – which has been approved for the first time this year on some German highways as part of a limited pilot program – enables Mercedes-Benz vehicles to independently change lanes, follow maps, and avoid obstacles without external input through the use of radar, lidar, and traditional cameras.
However, a driver must remain prepared to retake control at any time. As such, the system’s capabilities are referred to as Level Three autonomy.
While self-driving functions could be sanctioned across the Atlantic within the next two years, it is so far unclear when the system could hit Australian roads.
“The S-Class and EQS have been developed with Level 3 Drive Pilot capability, however making that functionality available in Australia depends on a number of factors, including local legislation.
"The system will be accessible before the end of this year for most of the German highway network. At this stage there is no timeline for a local rollout of Level 3 Drive Pilot,” a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia told Drive.
As previously reported by Drive, the German brand is reportedly set to trial a subscription service business model for pre-fitted luxury features including rear-wheel steering. If such a system was to be implemented, it's likely autonomous capabilities would be subject a pay-as-you-go arrangement (as recently announced by Tesla).