Mercedes-Benz has updated its conditionally automated driving system DRIVE PILOT and has now received the approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.
With this milestone all is set for the upcoming sales release in early 2025 in Germany.
This update makes DRIVE PILOT the fastest certified system for conditionally automated driving in a standard production vehicle.
It’s optionally available on two luxury saloon car ranges – S-Class and EQS.
The price of DRIVE PILOT remains unchanged (starting at 5,950 euros incl.
VAT).
Cars with DRIVE PILOT, that have been already built, get the update for free – either via the internet (Over-the-Air-Update) or during a visit at the workshop.
There is no need to change any vehicle components for the software update.
With this latest upgrade, DRIVE PILOT can be used in flowing traffic up to 95 km/h under certain conditions on the entire 13,191 km-long German Autobahn network.
This allows customers to drive more frequently and for longer periods of time in automated driving mode, while using their free time better.
When DRIVE PILOT is activated, it is legally allowed for the driver to enjoy other activities, such as watching TV or even streaming a movie via services like Sony’s RIDEVU app, reading the newspaper (physically, or through the MBUX system), working or simply relaxing while the car is driving conditionally automated.