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DRIVE PILOT

Our insatiable desire for pioneering new technology is ever-present in DRIVE PILOT by Mercedes-Benz, the first conditionally automated driving system that operates in real-life driving conditions.

Keep your eyes on the prize, we'll keep ours on the road.

DRIVE PILOT by Mercedes-Benz breaks ground on automated driving to completely change the highway traffic jam experience. Using a multitude of hyper-advanced sensors, DRIVE PILOT allows the driver to, well, not drive. This innovative technology is exclusive to the S-Class and EQS Sedan.

Next level automated driving.

Raising the bar in autonomous driving technology, Mercedes-Benz is the first automobile manufacturer in the US to achieve a Level 3 certification based on a 0-5 scale from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)1. Under specific conditions, our technology allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, eyes off the road — and take in their surroundings2.

While active, DRIVE PILOT unlocks activities on the central display so the driver can play games, watch videos or take advantage of in-car entertainment features. 

Capable of detecting your surroundings, conditionally automated vehicles can make informed decisions for themselves. However, these vehicles require the driver to remain alert and take control when requested.

The Technology

The Science of Sensors.

More than a set of cameras, Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT employs radar, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), ultrasound sensors and an antenna array to orient the vehicle in real-life driving conditions. Watch the video above to learn more.

Required operating conditions

Building over a century of trust in drivers across the globe begins and ends with safety. DRIVE PILOT is ready to chauffeur you under conditions that help ensure a secure ride. ​Conditions include:

  • Clear lane markings on approved freeways

  • Moderate to heavy traffic with speeds under 40 MPH ​

  • Daytime lighting and clear weather​

  • Driver visible by camera located above driver's display

  • There is no construction zone present.

 

Please review the Operator's Manual for the complete list of conditions required for DRIVE PILOT to engage.

Where is DRIVE PILOT

Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT is certified to perform on major freeways in California and parts of Nevada. 

Our technology relies on a digital high-definition map that provides a 3D image of the road and the surroundings with information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs and special traffic events. Check out the DRIVE PILOT routes mapped out in blue below and please keep in mind all other conditions must be met on these roads for system availability3.

Additional Resources

Get to know the specific features of DRIVE PILOT-equipped vehicles and review the indicators designed to keep you safe on the road.

    EQS Sedan Training Video

    S-Class Training Video

Manuals and Vehicle Information

Getting Started with DRIVE PILOT

We'll have you on your way in a few simple steps.

  • First, you’ll need to purchase the service. If your S-Class or EQS Sedan is compatible with DRIVE PILOT, you can do this by visiting the Mercedes-Benz Store.

  • Next, activate DRIVE PILOT in your Mercedes-Benz app. Open the app and ensure that your eligible vehicle has been paired to your account. If you haven’t paired your vehicle yet, contact your dealer for help.

  • Now, go to the menu at the top left and select your DRIVE PILOT–eligible vehicle. Tap Manage services, then Safety and Service, turn on the DRIVE PILOT toggle, then complete the activation.

  • Last step? A tutorial video covering the basics. Once you've watched the entire video, read and accept the terms and conditions.

That’s it. Welcome to DRIVE PILOT. Sit back, and enjoy the journey.

First Responder Resources

First Responders can find comprehensive guidelines on how to approach and interact with a DRIVE PILOT vehicle in the case of an accident or incapacitated driver.

First Responder Interaction Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about DRIVE PILOT and conditionally automated vehicles, here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Retrofitting other vehicles is not possible because each S-Class and EQS Sedan equipped with DRIVE PILOT has specific controls, electrical system, body shape, steering wheel and other hardware.

DRIVE PILOT lets you spend less time driving and more time on what matters to you. Imagine you’re sitting in heavy traffic and need to catch up on work. If you engage DRIVE PILOT you can interact with secondary activities (like playing games, internet browsing or watching videos on the central display), so you never miss a beat.

SAE Level 2 vehicles have assistance features that support the driver with steering, braking or acceleration but require the driver to be continuously responsible for the driving task at all times. SAE Level 3 systems, like DRIVE PILOT, allow the driver to take their hands off the wheel and focus on secondary activities but only under certain conditions and within a defined area. When DRIVE PILOT requests, the user must re-take control of the vehicle by putting their hands on the steering wheel and keeping their eyes on the road as well as steer, brake or accelerate to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.

DRIVE PILOT can be activated in heavy traffic jams at a speed of 40 MPH or less on a pre-defined freeway network approved by Mercedes-Benz. DRIVE PILOT operates in daytime lighting conditions when inclement weather is not present and in areas where there is not a construction zone. Please refer to the Operator’s Manual for a full list of conditions required for DRIVE PILOT.

DRIVE PILOT can be disengaged at any time by pressing one of the DRIVE PILOT buttons on the steering wheel. DRIVE PILOT can also be disengaged by pressing one of the pedals and putting your hands back on the wheel.

If a user does not respond to the takeover request within the maximum allotted time of ten seconds, for example due to a medical crisis, the vehicle’s emergency stop procedure will begin. The vehicle will begin to brake and then come to a full stop in its current lane; surrounding traffic is warned by the activation of your hazard lights. Once the vehicle is at standstill, the parking brake is engaged, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is activated, and the vehicle doors are unlocked to enable emergency personnel access.

The user must be awake and ready to resume driving at all times when operating the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a driver monitoring camera in the driver’s display to ensure the customer is ready to respond to a takeover request.

DRIVE PILOT does not change lanes or take into account upcoming route guidance. Please deactivate the system to change lanes or follow route guidance as necessary.

A significant steering intervention by the driver will immediately deactivate DRIVE PILOT.

Yes, you can temporarily deactivate the DRIVE PILOT service in the Mercedes me connect app. Additionally, you can turn off DRIVE PILOT via the settings in the MBUX central display: Settings > Assistance > Driving > DRIVE PILOT.

You can contact our Customer Assistance Center at (855) 502-3851 for 24-hour support and get more information about DRIVE PILOT.
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Get to know DRIVE PILOT

Want to see how this groundbreaking technology works? Here’s an introduction.

Watch the Video

 

 

1J3016 - Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles (April 2021)

 

 

 

2DRIVE PILOT is an SAE Level 3 (conditional automated driving) system: the automated driving function takes over certain driving tasks. However, a fallback-ready user is still required. The fallback-ready user must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times when prompted by the vehicle. 

 

Availability and use of DRIVE PILOT on freeways depends on options, compatible wireless networks, countries, states and relevant laws. Service subject to change at any time without notice. Mercedes-Benz app Terms of Use apply. Please refer to the Operator's Manual for additional instructions and limitations.

 

 

 

3Map shown for illustrative purposes only. DRIVE PILOT availability depends on several conditions, including road type, and is subject to change. Please read the DRIVE PILOT Operator’s Manual Supplement for more information.