Car news

• Mercedes will launch a new Level 3 autonomous driving system in Germany at the beginning of 2022.
• Called Drive Pilot, it will be available for the S-class and EQS models.
• The system is operable at up to 37 mph on designated highways in Germany.

Mercedes says it has received regulatory approval in Germany for its latest Level 3 autonomous driving system, called Drive Pilot. This technology allows for hands-free driving under certain conditions and, unlike Level 2 systems such as Cadillac's Super Cruise, does not require the driver to be looking at the road while the system is active. Audi had previously pioneered a similar system in the A8 but later gave up on seeking government approval in both Europe and the U.S. Honda launched Level 3 technology in Japan in a small batch of Legend sedans earlier this year.