Mercedes-Benz pauses US L3 Drive Pilot to focus on new tech

In a major shift for the auto industry, Mercedes-Benz is hitting the brakes on its most advanced self-driving feature. The company was the first to let drivers take their eyes off the road in the United States, using a system called Drive Pilot. Now, the German automaker has decided to stop offering this technology on its newest models, starting with the upcoming 2026 S-Class sedan. The company decided to pivot toward a different kind of assistant that works better for everyday city driving.

Drive Pilot made history when it launched in late 2023. It was available on the gas-powered S-Class and the electric EQS. This system was special because it was the first publicly available "Level 3" assistance. Level 3 means the car is actually in control. Drivers could legally look away from the road to text or watch movies while the car handled the steering and brakes. The system had very strict rules, though. It only worked on specific highways in California and Nevada at speeds below 40 mph, and it only worked during clear weather and daytime. Plus, it only worked in heavy traffic - it needed a car in front to follow.

The decision to pause the system was forced by a mix of high costs and low interest from buyers. To make Drive Pilot work, Mercedes-Benz had to use expensive LiDAR sensors, which use lasers to see the world. One of their main LiDAR partners, Luminar, struggled to meet the requirements of their contract, which led to the end of their deal in 2024. On top of the hardware issues, owners had to pay a $2,500 yearly subscription just to keep the feature active. Many customers found it hard to justify the price for a system they could only use in heavy traffic on a few specific roads.

Instead of sticking with the limited Level 3 system, Mercedes is now focusing on MB.Drive Assist Pro. This new technology is what experts call "Level 2++." Unlike the old system, this one requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. While that might sound like a step backward, it is actually much more useful. The new system can handle city streets, turn at intersections, and navigate from a parking lot to a destination.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is the first to showcase this new direction. This sleek EV uses a powerful computer from Nvidia to process data from 30 different sensors. These include 10 cameras, 5 radar units, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. By using cameras instead of the expensive LiDAR units, Mercedes can offer the system for a lower price. For the new CLA, the company plans to charge $3,950 for a three-year subscription, making it a tiny bit more affordable option for people who want help with their daily commute.

Mercedes-Benz says this is not the end of "eyes-off" driving forever. The company plans to spend the next few years developing even better technology that can handle higher speeds and more difficult weather. For now, the automaker believes that a smart assistant you can use everywhere is better than a fully "self-driving" system you can only use in a traffic jam.

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