Automakers have been working on self-driving cars for years. A few decades ago, it was believed that in the future cars would drive themselves, without a driver. We also thought that they would all fly, but that is another story. Of course, it takes a little longer than expected. But autonomous driving is slowly becoming a reality. Indeed, many manufacturers already offer level 2, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. Of course, we think of Tesla, but also of Volvo or Audi, among others.

We are happy to partner with Tesla Service to provide service during the same hours as often as possible! Application of Formula 1 crew technique to Tesla.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 23, 2022

Mercedes ahead

But there is another manufacturer that already has a slight head start over others. This is a Mercedes that already offers level 3 autonomous driving on its EQS and S-Class. A system now allowed on French and European roads since last summer that allows you to drive without touching the steering wheel, but remain alert. But the company with a star now wants to go even further. Indeed, and according to her, driving level 4 will work until the end of the decade. In any case, she is actively working on it now.

Complete system

Markus Schaefer, Mercedes’ chief engineer, then explains: ” Imagine you’re stuck in traffic in a big city, coming home from work and facing a two-hour drive. It will be enough to press the button and fall asleep, waiting for its arrival to you“. Nevertheless, some technological and especially legal obstacles still arise, in particular regarding responsibility of developers in case of an accident.