Mercedes-Benz Increases top Speed of Level 3 Automated Driving in Germany

Mercedes‑Benz is introducing the next version of DRIVE PILOT for conditionally automated driving (SAE‑Level 3) in Germany. This  upgrade allows a speed of up to 95 km/h on motorways.

This makes DRIVE PILOT the world's fastest Level 3 system in a series-production vehicle.

It  can be used in flowing traffic under certain conditions on the right lane of a motorway, while following a vehicle in front.

The previously available option of using the system in dense traffic conditions and in traffic jams on suitable freeways will remain.

The necessary re-certification by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority is expected by the end of 2024, after which sales can start at the beginning of 2025.

Customer vehicles that are already equipped with DRIVE PILOT can be upgraded free of charge.

Depending on the model, this upgrade can happen wirelessly as an over‑the‑air update (OTA) or via a workshop visit.

No vehicle components need to be changed. 

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing, says: “With this upgraded DRIVE PILOT version, Mercedes‑Benz is again underlining its pioneering role in automated driving. It will soon be possible to activate conditionally automated driving up to 95 km/h in flowing traffic under certain conditions on the German motorway. With this, our customers can use even more of their time more efficiently. Mercedes‑Benz is once again setting industry standards and steadily paving the way to autonomous driving.” 

In Germany, the permitted top speed for conditionally automated driving is currently 130 km/h.

Mercedes‑Benz aims to reach this milestone by the end of the decade