Mercedes-Benz’s autonomous driving system called Drive Pilot is based on lidar technology and can drive autonomously at a top speed of 64 kilometers per hour. It supports Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS models. The system not only keeps the vehicle within its lane, but also actively maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, recognizes traffic signals and road signs, and even performs avoidance maneuvers independently.

According to guidelines from SAE International, an international engineering standards organization, Drive Pilot meets Level 1 standards for autonomous driving, which requires no driver involvement during driving. Therefore, the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel after turning on the system and perform some “secondary activities” on the in-car infotainment system, such as checking emails or shopping online.

It is important to note that drivers must always be prepared to take over the vehicle in situations such as bad weather. If the driver does not take over the vehicle after the system issues an emergency prompt or the timer expires, the system will automatically execute emergency procedures, park the vehicle, turn on the hazard warning lights and unlock the doors.

The turquoise daytime running lights are an industry first and are designed to clearly indicate to other road users that the Drive Pilot system is operating. Mercedes-Benz said it chose this color because it is more eye-catching and clearly distinguishes it from the colors of traditional traffic lights and vehicle lights.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the system can also help police more easily identify whether a vehicle is on autonomous driving and whether the driver should be performing “secondary activities.”

California has now approved a two-year test of the light, and Nevada will officially approve it for production vehicles in 2026.

The classification of autonomous driving levels:

SAE International divides autonomous driving into six levels, from Level 0 to Level 5.

Levels 0 to 2 require the driver to remain active at all times, with both hands on the wheel and focus on the road. This level includes some limited features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning or lane departure warning.

 Level 1 includes systems that can provide steering, acceleration or braking support, such as lane centering assist or cruise control, but only one system can be activated at a time.

 A Level 2 system can have one or more Level 1 features active simultaneously.

 Level 3 is the first level considered autonomous and allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. Such systems can only drive the vehicle under certain conditions and will not operate until all conditions are met. For example, Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot system can only operate at a maximum speed of 64 kilometers per hour, during the day, in clear weather, and on scheduled motorways. The driver must also be ready to take over the vehicle at any time, such as when it starts to rain or when approaching a construction area.

 Level 4 allows the driver to be completely hands-off and the vehicle can be without a steering wheel and pedals, but is still subject to the same environmental conditions as a Level 3 system.

 Level 5 is the ultimate level of autonomous driving, and vehicles can drive autonomously anywhere under any conditions.

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Some vehicles within the scope of this recall are not tightly sealed due to the front panel, and accumulated water may seep into the interior of the vehicle, causing corrosion or short circuit of the preventive safety system (Pre-Safe) wiring harness in the vehicle. In extreme cases, the seat belt tensioner and seat adjustment cannot work normally, which increases the risk of collision and injury for drivers and passengers, posing safety hazards.

Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. will reseal the front panel of the recalled vehicles free of charge through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers to eliminate potential safety hazards.

Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. will notify the owners of the recall by registered mail or other means.

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The Mercedes-Benz passenger car business delivered 2,043,900 vehicles to customers last year, down 1 percent from 2021, as the industry was impacted by the new crown epidemic restrictions as well as semiconductor supply shortages and logistics bottlenecks.

However, electric vehicle sales surged to 117,800 units last year from 52,500 units in 2021. In the fourth quarter, electric vehicle sales more than doubled to 42,400 units.

In China, Mercedes-Benz delivered a total of 751,714 vehicles for the year. Annual deliveries of the new energy vehicle lineup (including pure electric models and plug-in hybrids) increased 143 percent year-on-year; Mercedes-Maybach brand deliveries achieved double-digit growth for the second consecutive year.

Mercedes-Benz will launch six new pure electric models and plug-in hybrids into the Chinese market in 2023, including the new EQS pure electric SUV, the first 7-seat luxury pure electric SUV from Mercedes-EQ, and the first mid-size SUV based on the EVA pure electric platform — Plug-in hybrids will also be extended to luxury flagship models, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedans.

In addition, the first production all-electric Maybach model – the new Mercedes-Maybach EQS all-electric SUV – will be unveiled worldwide in the first half of 2023.

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