The Limits of Mercedes' Drive Pilot Level 3 Self Driving

Sunday - October 22 2023, 04:05 UTC - 1 year ago

Mercedes' Drive Pilot Level 3 self driving is a highly sophisticated system designed to be used on well-marked highways in suitable weather at speeds below 40 km/h. It is not equipped for city driving and requires the driver to pay attention and be ready to take control at all times.

If you read the conditions under which you can use the Mercedes Drive Pilot Level 3 self driving then you will see the obvious silliness of it. It will only work on highways at less than 45 miles per hour and with another car in front of you. This obviously means it only works for bumper to bumper highway driving. There can also be no construction or emergency vehicles. It must be clear days in the daytime. There can be no lane changing and their must be lane lines. The system processes sensors from within the car, such as radar sensors and cameras to inform its decisions. Speed is limited to 40 km/h in the self-driving mode. The system warns the driver to take control if the car goes outside the specified parameters of the lane it is in. Drivers must pay attention to the road while using the system, as even small distractions can cause issues. Mercedes' system is designed to be used on well-marked highways in suitable weather. It is not equipped to handle city driving where multiple vehicles enter and leave the highway in a hurry and lanes can suddenly appear and disappear.

Mercedes' Drive Pilot Level 3 self driving has seen a great improvement as students from the Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America have worked on the system and achieved a highly sophisticated driving experience. But, you don't get the full self-driving experience since it has limits. Your morning commute on clear days in the daytime you can use it. However, if you are driving back at night you cannot. You must pay attention to the road when using the self-driving system.

To sum up, Mercedes' Drive Pilot Level 3 self-driving is limited by its abilities. It is not capable of driving any and everywhere and, more importantly, requires that you pay attention and always be prepared to take immediate control. This means that if you plan to use it in cities or highways with fewer lane marks, you will not be able to do so and must be ready to steer.