Mercedes-Benz plans roll-out of its automated driving feature in U.S.
Mercedes-Benz plans to roll-out its MB.Drive Assist Pro in the U.S. later this year, according to a recent press release.
The driving assistance with advanced SAE-Level 2 assistance has been available in China since the end of last year.
“At the press of a button, the vehicle can help navigate through the city streets – from the parking lot to the destination,” the release says.
It adds that steering adaptations are possible at any time without deactivating the system.
MB.Drive Assist Pro uses about 30 sensors, including 10 cameras, 5 radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the release says. Each provide raw data to a supercomputer capable of up to 508 TOPs.
Automotive News Europe says the system will cost $3,950 for three years in the U.S., with customers provided the choice of a monthly or yearly subscription.
Tesla provides automated driving features for $8,000 as a one-time purchase or $99 per month, Automotive News says.
The publication also notes that Tesla is the only other OEM that allows automated driving on city streets, with other automakers limiting it to highways.
“Mercedes’ push into urban driving assistance shows how software advances are moving autonomous technology from limited testing toward commercial rollout,” the article says. “Safety concerns and regulations still constrain full autonomy in personal vehicles.”
Recently, Tesla has focused on incremental improvements to full self-driving, while launching a robotaxi service in Austin, the publication says.
“Investors still view autonomous technology as a potential long-term revenue driver for automakers,” Automotive News says
Mercedes was the first OEM to receive approval to use Level 3 automated driving in California and Nevada in 2023 with its Drive Pilot feature. The feature is available for highway driving, unlike the MB.Drive Assist Pro which can navigate city driving.
The Drive Pilot also was announced during CES in 2023. The feature is available in specific S-Class and EQs Sedan models in California and Nevada.
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Photo courtesy of Mercedes