Mercedes-Benz is rethinking its approach to autonomous driving after learning that being first doesn’t always mean offering the most useful technology. The German automaker is now looking to improve its Level 2 driver assistance systems before making the jump to Level 4 autonomy, potentially skipping another generation of Level 3 technology.
Speaking to Road & Track, Mercedes-Benz CTO Jörg Burzer explained that the company’s early move into Level 3 autonomy came before the technology was particularly useful for everyday driving.
Mercedes made headlines in 2023 when its Drive Pilot system became the first Level 3 autonomous driving technology approved in the US. Offered on the S-Class and EQS, it allowed drivers to take their eyes off the road under specific conditions. However, it only worked at speeds of about 40 mph and on certain roads, so was mostly handy in slow-moving traffic.
Now, Mercedes wants to focus on Level 4 technology, while also improving the capability of its Level 2 systems. However, don’t expect fully autonomous models anytime soon. Burzer says Level 4 could arrive in production Mercedes cars only after 2030, with a gradual rollout expected.
Source: Road & Track
