Tag Archives: mercedes benz s class

Mercedes-Benz Beats BMW to Level 3 Autonomy Approval

BMW made headlines recently by claiming its next-gen 7 Series would boast Level 3 autonomous driving right out of the box. BMW also made the claim that we wouldn’t see any other Level 3 cars anytime soon. “In the next years you will not see a single launch where somebody says here’s my car and it’s Level 3,” said Frank Weber, director of development for BMW. However, not only has another Level 3 car been announced, it will come to market before BMW’s 7 Series — the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

According to a recent press release, Mercedes-Benz’s new Level 3 autonomous driving system is called DRIVE PILOT and will arrive on the S-Class in the first half of 2022. It’s also said to be the first ever system to meet the strict UN-R157 global legal requirements for Level 3 systems. That means it will be legal to use in any market that allows for such systems. Germany is the first country that it will be allowed in but Mercedes-Benz is also testing in the US and Chinese markets, for future use.

Mercedes Benz DRIVE PILOT 1 of 2 830x553Mercedes Benz DRIVE PILOT 1 of 2 830x553

Being a Level 3 system it really works as a limited-use autonomous driving system for only certain situations. In the case of DRIVE PILOT, it’s mostly traffic jams. Similar to Audi’s Level 3 Traffic Jam Assist, DRIVE PILOT is mostly for slow moving traffic on densely packed highways.

The idea is to create a system that can take over for the driver; and operate the car entirely, during those limited traffic situations. The system needs a clear lane markers, dense traffic, and speeds up to 37 mph. Not only will the car accelerate, steer, and brake on its own, it can even follow navigation information and adjust for unexpected traffic situations with either evasive or braking maneuvers.

The system uses LiDAR, as well as cameras around the car, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and even moisture in the wheel wells. It also gets detailed information about the road its on, using digital mapping on the backend.

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Of course, the system requires the driver to respond to prompts, to insure they’re alert and paying attention. If the driver fails to respond to such prompts, the car will safely slow itself to a stop while flashing the hazard lights. Once the car is at a stop, it will call the Mercedes-Benz emergency system and unlock the doors and windows, to make sure first responders have easy access to the vehicle. The reason for that is because Mercedes-Benz feels the only reason a driver shouldn’t be able to respond to its system’s prompts is due to severe health issue. Not jumping in the backseat to make a fun video for YouTube…

While the system will launch on the S-Class, it will also be made available for Mercedes-Benz’s new all-electric luxury car, the EQS. Which means when BMW’s 7 Series debuts, it will have two competitors in the world of Level 3 autonomy.

BMWBLOG Podcast Episode 36: BMW M3 Touring, Lucid Air and More

It’s that time again and we apologize about the delay. It’s BMWBLOG Podcast time and that means you’re graced with the voice of a man who’s barely holding his sanity together, talk to you about cars for a bit. I ride solo again in this latest episode but we do have more guests planned for the future.

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In this week’s episode, I discuss some topics that really fascinate me and it all has to start with the BMW M3 Touring. Fans of the Bavarian brand have been begging for an M3 Touring for decades, to no avail. Now, though, the suits in Munich have finally green-lit the M3 Touring and it’s finally going to get made. Unfortunately for us ‘Mericans, we won’t be getting it. Which is frustrating and in this episode, much like a Festivus family gathering, I air my grievances.

BMW M3 Touring photoshop 01 830x467BMW M3 Touring photoshop 01 830x467

I also talk about the potential BMW M8 CSL that’s been rumored to be in the works. There’s been a mysterious 8 Series test mule running around, wearing some curious exterior features that don’t seem to be necessary on a traditional 8 Series. So there are rumors of a mid-engine prototype, a plug-in hybrid powertrain or a lightweight stripped-out M8 CSL swirling around. Those are also discussed.

After the M8 CSL, I talk about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (I know, booooooo). As much as many BMW fans might not want to admit it, the S-Class has always been the king of the luxury car segment and this one seems to set the luxury benchmark in the stratosphere. So beating this new Big Benz is going to be a tall task for every luxury manufacturer and BMW is a part of that.

New Mercedes Benz S Class W 223 6 830x415New Mercedes Benz S Class W 223 6 830x415

Lastly, though, I talk about the Lucid Air, a car I’m personally fascinated with. After seeing the press release on the upcoming air, every car company on Earth, Tesla included, should be very worried about their own offerings. The Air seems to be far more advanced than every other electric car in existence and a part of the reason why is that Lucid has done its homework. It’s been developing batteries for Formula E cars for the past couple of years and we all know that the best advancements in automotive tech come from motorsport.

So have a listen; whether it be in your car on a long trip or just in the morning with a cup of coffee, and either nod in agreement like that gif of Jack Nicholson or spit your coffee out and scream at me. Either way, I hope you enjoy.

You can expect a podcast episode from us each week and you can find each episode almost anywhere you can find podcasts. So Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher and Radiopublic

As always, let us know what you think about the podcast and ask me any questions you’d like me to answer on it — nico@bmwblog.com.

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