Autonomous driving, semi-autonomous driving, autopilot, FSD… These terms have appeared in automotive news in recent years. But what exactly are we talking about? Autonomous driving is divided into five levels. Starting from stage zero, where all aspects of driving are entrusted to the driver. Until stage 5, where the presence of a person on board is not required. The car can drive itself from one point to another, on all types of roads and under any circumstances. The integration of radars, cameras and other sensors brings us closer (in theory) to full automation. Among car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz and Audi formed on their large EQS sedans and A8 Level 3 systems that (in theory) let you go about your business while the car stays behind the wheel. The driver only needs to intervene when faced with an impossible scenario. If we speak theoretically, that’s why these systems comply with legal restrictions. They are not allowed to work on open roads in France or Europe.

Mercedes, the first to cross the third level.

Only level 2 autonomous driving is allowed on the Old Continent (automatic braking, lane keeping and parking). Thus, for series models equipped with level 3 technologies, The driver must regularly put his hands on the steering wheel (every 30 seconds). Only the United States allowed full self-government in some states, starting with California. She rightly talks about it today, allowing the world premiere Mercedes models move freely in level 3 autonomous driving! Thus, the Mercedes S-Class and EQS are the first production models that can drive this way on the open road! However, this permission is subject to certain conditions. They will not be able to work only during the day and on certain highways of state importance (and interstates for those connecting Nevada). Their speed in offline mode will also be limited to 64 km/h.

Tesla, window dressing

Why did Mercedes have this permission when Is Tesla still waiting? Even if the firm was a pioneer in the democratization of this technology, it lags behind Mercedes. Only his level 2 system has been clearedits level 3 system was not recognized by American authorities as sufficiently reliable and secure. Dangerous maneuvers, ignoring road signs. Moving in the oncoming lane, knocked over children’s mannequins in offline mode. The cutting edge of Tesla, its Autopilot autonomous driving system (and the most advanced Full Self Driving/FSD system in the US) regularly pointed out its shortcomings.

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States conducted a ten-month crash study that found 392 crashes involving a semi-autonomous driving system. Including 273 was hit by a Tesla car ! Most recently, in February, the same NHTSA announced a recall FSD software crash on 362,758 Tesla models ! Mercedes has a head start in this. It will be able to sell this option on its S-Class and EQS at the end of the year.

Read also:

Remember the Tesla Roadster “Starman”? This is where it is today

Mercedes-Benz EQS: many personalization options

Autonomous cars: will they really see the light of day?