Mercedes-Benz is the first German manufacturer to launch sales of its "DrivePilot" system . Similar to Tesla's "Autopilot," this system enables automated driving. The onboard computer can then, if desired, steer the vehicle fully automatically through stop-and-go traffic or roadworks. However, there are limitations.
Mercedes charges an extra €5,000 plus VAT for its "DrivePilot" system in the S-Class. The upgrade is also available for the electric EQS model. Those wishing to benefit from the autonomous driving assistant in this model must pay an additional €7,400 – also plus VAT.
Mercedes is primarily targeting its business customers with this offering. Besides simple, relaxed cruising through heavy traffic, the DrivePilot assistance system is designed to allow users to, for example, handle correspondence such as emails and letters while driving. Mercedes is clearly positioning the system as an alternative to Tesla's "Autopilot," but is still significantly limiting its functionality.
Currently, cars primarily use simple driver assistance systems that can relieve the driver of various tasks, such as keeping to the lane or maintaining a safe distance, but do not offer automatic evasive maneuvers or overtaking.
When the “Drive Pilot” takes over, Mercedes is responsible
Mercedes has become the first car manufacturer in Germany to receive approval for the operation of its autonomous driving system. This system allows the driver to relinquish control of the vehicle, for example, to watch a movie or read the news. However, the driver must be able to resume control at any time and cannot, for example, go to sleep.
Legally, autonomous driving remains a sensitive issue, and the system's use is therefore subject to strict regulations and limited to very specific situations. More precisely, it is restricted to use on highways and at speeds up to 60 km/h.
If the on-board computer detects that the prerequisites are met, DrivePilot can be activated. The exciting part: as soon as it takes over driving, the responsibility lies with Mercedes. If the system detects that it is becoming incapacitated, it prompts the driver to take over within 10 seconds.
A question of insurance
From an insurance perspective, the German Insurance Association (GDV) clarified that Mercedes DrivePilot meets the requirements of a Level 3 system. This means that the driver can turn their attention away from the road, but must always be able to take control of the car and thus resume responsibility.
“In the interest of road safety, we welcome the fact that the first highly automated driving system will initially only be used in a limited speed range and on motorways – i.e. in traffic situations without oncoming and cross traffic, without pedestrians and without cyclists,” says GDV Deputy Managing Director Anja Käfer-Rohrbach.
