Mercedes-Benz Adjusts Autonomous Driving Strategy: Prioritizes L2 Systems, Plans L4 Mass Production After 2030

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to receive L3 autonomous driving approval in the United States with its Drive Pilot system. Initially applied to the S-Class and EQS, the system allows drivers not to continuously monitor the road under specific conditions, but speed must not exceed 64 km/h, and there are restrictions on roads and usage conditions. Recently, Mercedes-Benz CTO Jörg Burzer said in an interview that Mercedes-Benz has decided to prioritize the development of L2 assisted driving systems and plans to skip L3 in the future to directly enter the L4 autonomous driving field. The latest S-Class launched in the U.S. market is not equipped with L3 autonomous driving technology. Mercedes-Benz's MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO system is an L2 assisted driving system that provides point-to-point driving assistance, performing lane changes, navigating intersections, making turns, and recognizing and responding to traffic lights on highways and urban roads. The new S-Class is equipped with up to 27 sensors to support the system's functions. When using this L2 system, the driver must pay attention to road conditions and be ready to take over at any time. Burzer said Mercedes-Benz will focus on developing L4 autonomous driving, enabling vehicles to independently complete all driving tasks under defined operating conditions without driver supervision. He expects L4 autonomous driving to enter mass production only after 2030, with a gradual rollout at that time.