Mercedes-Benz has in Germany received approval for automated driving at up to 95 kilometers per hour. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has approved a further developed system with which the Mercedes top models S-Class and EQS can drive independently at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour.
However, the new permit only applies under certain conditions, for example behind a vehicle in front in the right lane of the motorway. The start of sales for the new version of the “Drive Pilot” is planned for spring 2025. Previously, autonomous driving was only permitted in traffic jams at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
Mercedes ahead of BMW
This makes Mercedes-Benz the first car manufacturer to be able to sell level 3 semi-autonomous cars with approval for higher speeds in Germany. The Munich rival BMW offers a traffic jam assistant for autonomous driving in traffic jams at up to 60 kilometers per hour. With another BMW system, drivers are allowed to take their hands off the steering wheel at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour, but they remain constantly responsible and must focus their full attention on the traffic.
Mercedes-Benz is also testing its system in Beijing and is allowed to use it on certain highways in the US states of California and Nevada.
The go-ahead for automated driving hits the car manufacturer in a time of crisis: luxury is not running, electric remains weak, the stock is at a low point. CEO Ola Källenius (55) switches. He shaves on the board and in the factories is up to a fifth of the jobs are threatened.