Mercedes-Benz World’s First Automotive Company to Certify SAE Level 3 System for the US

Mercedes‑Benz is the world’s first automotive company to bring SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving to the US. Nevada is the first state to confirm the compliance of the system with state regulations.

Mercedes‑Benz DRIVE PILOT is now the only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorised for use on US public freeways.

DRIVE PILOT will allow the driver to hand over the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under certain conditions.

It  will be available in the US market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes‑Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in the second half of 2023.

Mercedes‑Benz has the ambition to continue to expand to California later this year, with the certification documents already filed with state authorities.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Development and Procurement., says: “In the modern world, time is one of the most precious commodities, and giving back time to our customers is a core element in our strategy to build the world’s most desirable cars. Our DRIVE PILOT takes a major step forward in achieving that, and places us at the very forefront of innovation in the crucially important field of automated driving. DRIVE PILOT demonstrates once more that our pioneering spirit is part of our DNA. Certification in Nevada marks the start of its international rollout and, with it, the dawning of a new era.”

Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA, adds: “An unwavering commitment to innovation has consistently guided Mercedes‑Benz from the very beginning. It is a very proud moment for everyone to continue this leadership and celebrate this monumental achievement as the first automotive company to be certified for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the U.S. market.”

Initially introduced in Germany in May 2022, the Mercedes‑Benz DRIVE PILOT system was the first SAE Level 3 system in the world to meet the demanding legal requirements of UN‑R157.

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) first granted system approval based on the regulation UN‑R157, paving the way for offering DRIVE PILOT internationally, where legislation allows.