Mercedes-Benz CTO Jörg Burzer announced a shift in the company's autonomous driving strategy. The automaker will prioritize advanced L2 driver assistance systems, effectively bypassing L3 technology to focus on future L4 development.
The Drive Pilot L3 system, launched in 2021, faced significant limitations. It was restricted to speeds up to 64 km/h, clear weather, and specific mapped highway segments. Due to low usage, the system was removed from the new S-Class and EQS models.
The L3 system was priced between €5,000 and €9,000 in Germany, with a $2,500 annual subscription fee in the US. Mercedes-Benz is now deploying the L2++ system, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO, which handles lane changes and traffic signals.
The new L2++ system utilizes 27 sensors and a 254 TOPS computing platform. While it offers broader functionality, the driver remains responsible for vehicle control. The system has already launched in China and is expanding to the US and Europe.
For long-term goals, Mercedes-Benz is partnering with Momenta to test L4 robotaxis in Abu Dhabi. The company expects mass production of L4 vehicles to begin after 2030.
