It is the first automaker that meets UN-R157’s requirements for conditional hands free driving.
Autopilot, a Level 2 autonomous driving system similar to Tesla’s Autopilot, is spreading throughout the industry. Audi introduced its A8 with Level3 capability in 2009 It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s ready for prime-time in a legal sense. However, MercedesBenz seems to be ready to go. This automaker is the first to receive an “internationally valid system approbation” for Level 3 systems for the new EQS and S Class .
What does this mean? UN-R157 refers to a United Nations regulation which sets standards and benchmarks for Level 3 autonomous technology in vehicles. We’ll skip the complicated terminology and legalese and tell you that Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker in the world to achieve these standards.
This is a significant distinction because the jump from Level 2 to 3 signifies a higher level situational awareness and decision making from the vehicle’s system, which allows the driver to be completely hands-free, even diverting attention from the road ahead. But, the driver must still be available to respond if necessary.
Important to remember that this United Nations regulation has an international scope but individual countries can still establish their own rules for autonomous technology in cars. International approval is a big help in convincing countries to allow automakers to operate. Germany has done this with Mercedes.
Mercedes cars with Drive Pilot Level 3 capability can operate in heavy traffic conditions at speeds of up to 37 mph (60 km/h). The system can operate in such situations without the driver’s input, allowing vehicles to accelerate, brake and change lanes according to their needs. It is currently available on 8197 miles (13,191 kilometers) of German highway. Tests are underway to make it available in the United States, China and other countries once they have approved Level 3 tech.
Mercedes is the first automaker in the world to be granted international Level 3 approval. However, it is not the only one to offer this technology or use it. Audi was the first automaker to offer Level 3 functionality in 2017 on its A8. However, it was not allowed to activate the technology. It was Honda who won the first-use title earlier in the year. The Honda Legend sedan used Level 3tech to access parts of Japan.
UN-R157 was established just earlier in the year. Expect other automakers following Mercedes to international Level 3 autonomous approval.