Level 3 is conditional autonomy and the German automaker’s spokesperson told us that additional features on the central screen will be enabled when autonomy is activated. Drivers can browse the web, watch a movie using the YouTube app, and play mini-games including Shuffle Puck.<\/p>\n
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot Certified For SAE\u00a0Level\u00a03 Conditionally Automated Driving In Nevada <\/h3>\n
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InsideEVs<\/em> sister channel Motor1<\/em> tested the Level 3 Drive Pilot early this year and found that it functioned as intended.<\/p>\n Remember that Level 3 availability is dictated by state regulation, which is why it will only be available in two states for now. Moreover, it\u2019s a subscription-based service. If customers migrate to a state where the regulations disallow Level 3 driving, they will have the option to discontinue the service.<\/p>\n Mercedes-Benz claims that the Drive Pilot uses a positioning system stronger than the GPS, with precision accuracy within inches. It will be supported by LiDAR, camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Additionally, a digital HD map will provide a 3D image of the road, including information like road geometry, route, traffic signs, and irregularities like accidents and construction zones.<\/p>\n The system will get regularly updated thanks to back-end data centers. However, the Drive Pilot will only support a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour, which might be a dealbreaker for many customers, and possibly not worth the extra money. That\u2019s a regulatory requirement, and Mercedes-Benz can raise it to 70 mph when federal and state laws permit.<\/p>\n The EQS and S-Class will also feature steering, braking actuators, and on-board electrical systems that are redundant, meaning drivers\u2019 can intervene and take over at all times.<\/p>\n Autonomous driving systems are undergoing a bumpy patch in their development journey in the US. Tesla\u2019s Autopilot is the subject of several ongoing NHTSA investigations. Autopilot-enabled Teslas have crashed into emergency vehicles and also face allegations of causing fatal accidents.<\/p>\n Tesla is not the only carmaker undergoing scrutiny. Just last week, a herd of 20 General Motors\u2019 Cruise Robotaxis caused an awkward and disorderly traffic snarl on Austin\u2019s streets. So the technology clearly has a long way to go before it can be mass adopted. What are your thoughts on the Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot? Let us know in the comments. <\/p>\n