Mercedes-Benz Introduces Automatic Lane Change Function for European Market

Mercedes-Benz is introducing its Automatic Lane Change (ALC) function for European markets. The company is currently working on adapting the function to European traffic situations.

If a slower vehicle is driving ahead, the vehicle can initiate a lane change itself in the speed range of 80‑140 km/h and overtake completely automatically if lane markings are detected and sufficient clearance is available.

The prerequisite is a road with a speed limit and the vehicle being equipped with Mercedes-Benz's MBUX Navigation. 

The market launch is scheduled to coincide with delivery of the first units of the new E-Class.

ALC is supported on motorway-like roads with lane markings and structurally separated directional lanes. 

The function is already available in all Mercedes‑Benz EQ series vehicles being sold in the US and Canada. 

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, says: “For years, Mercedes-Benz has set standards in the fields of automated driving and driver-assistance programs. Now, with DRIVE PILOT, we are offering the first vehicles with internationally certified SAE-Level 3 highly automated driving. Vehicles with DRIVE PILOT have been available in Germany since 2022, and will soon also be available for order in the U.S. We're taking things a step further with parking: INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT is the first certified system in the world for fully-automated, driverless, SAE-Level 4 parking."

Schäfer, adds: "Many of our customers in Germany are already using it. And now we are offering a more comfortable driving experience with the Automatic Lane Change driver-assist system. It is already available for order in the U.S., and I am happy to announce that we are now able to offer Automatic Lane Change in Europe, too. That is how Mercedes‑Benz underscores its position as a pioneer and a technological leader.”

DRIVE PILOT, from Mercedes-Benz, offers the world's first system with internationally valid approval for highly automated driving (SAE-Level 3).