What is Driving Automation? Mercedes-Benz Certified for SAE Level 3

For over a century, Mercedes-Benz has been blazing new trails in the automotive industry, and recent developments only continue this tradition. Mercedes-Benz is now the world’s first automaker to certify an SAE Level 3 system for the American market. This means that the renowned luxury vehicle manufacturer is bringing select SAE Level 3 cars with automated driving technology to the United States, and soon they’ll be available in the Mesquite and Santa Clara areas and beyond! Find out more about automated driving and SAE Level 3 systems in this guide from our team at Mercedes-Benz of St. George.

What is Automated Driving?

Automated driving is another term for self-driving vehicle technology. Mercedes-Benz has designed its own automated driving system called DRIVE PILOT. DRIVE PILOT uses a suite of cameras, microphones, processing tools, radars, and sensors to detect road conditions and driving environment and conditionally automate your driving experience. The system builds on the technology of the Driving Assistance Package that has been so popular with Hurricane-area drivers.

DRIVE PILOT can handle all the tasks needed for safe conditional automated driving. On freeways and other areas of dense traffic, DRIVE PILOT can take over and cruise up to speeds as high as 40 mph. You control the system right from the steering wheel, and it alerts you when DRIVE PILOT technology is available for use. It is capable of maintaining and adjusting speed and distance, staying in-lane, “reading” road and traffic signage, and responding and adjusting accordingly to unexpected situations.

DRIVE PILOT is available as an option with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS sedan models. The first SAE Level 3 cars from these lineups are expected to arrive later in 2023.

What is SAE Level 3 Certification?

There are six levels of driving automation recognized by the world’s foremost authority on this type of technology, the Society of Automotive Engineers. SAE certification is based on the functionality of an automated vehicle, ranging from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous). Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT has received a 3, the third level of driving automation, which indicates conditional automation. Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to get approved for Level 3 autonomy in the U.S., with Nevada being the first state to confirm that DRIVE PILOT complies with their state regulations.

Shop for an SAE Level 3 Certified Vehicle at Mercedes-Benz of St. George

If you have any questions or would like more information about our SAE Level 3 certified vehicles for the 2024 model year, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re confident you’ll love the comfort and convenience of this pioneering technology.