Mercedes outpaces Tesla with first Level 3 autonomous cars

Mercedes-Benz has claimed the title of the first automaker to sell Level 3 autonomous vehicles in the United States, achieving a significant milestone ahead of competitors such as Tesla.

The introduction of advanced self-driving cars to the American market marks a pivotal moment in automotive technology, where driver intervention under certain conditions can be entirely unnecessary.

Mercedes has integrated its Drive Pilot system into the EQS and S-Class sedans, now available for sale in California and Nevada. These states have granted the necessary certifications for this level of automation.

The Drive Pilot system allows the car to fully control driving functions in specific scenarios, such as navigating highways in clear weather at speeds below 40 miles per hour.

In their promotional materials, Mercedes-Benz explains, "Drive Pilot is engineered to reduce driver stress significantly by taking over control in certain conditions, offering a new level of convenience." This system has undergone extensive testing to ensure both safety and reliability, demonstrating the potential for easing daily commutes.

In contrast, Tesla continues to market its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which remains at Level 2 autonomy, requiring drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and maintain constant vigilance. Despite Elon Musk's promises of achieving higher autonomy levels, Tesla's FSD necessitates ongoing driver involvement.

Mercedes-Benz's launch of Level 3 vehicles sharply contrasts Tesla's offerings, especially as Tesla has just reduced its FSD price to enhance competitiveness. However, Tesla's system still mandates active driver engagement at all times, which significantly differs from the independence the Mercedes' system provides.

"Drive Pilot enables the car to take charge under certain conditions, which marks a significant step forward in autonomous technology," stated a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson, emphasizing the system's capability to handle driving tasks independently when conditions are met.

Source: Newsroom