Starting soon, Mercedes-Benz’s advanced driving assistant, the Drive Pilot, will be allowed to operate at speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph) on German highways, significantly raising the previous limit of 60 km/h (37 mph). The German Federal Motor Transport Authority granted this approval, the automaker announced on December 17, 2024.
Available in 2025 Models
The upgraded Drive Pilot will be available in the S-Class and the all-electric EQS models starting in spring 2025. Existing vehicles equipped with the system will receive a free software update either online or at authorized service centers, with no hardware changes required.
Limited to the Right Lane
The Drive Pilot is a Level 3 autonomous driving system, allowing drivers to engage in secondary tasks when activated. Previously, its use was practical mainly in traffic jams or slow-moving traffic. With the new speed limit, it can be used on sections like Berlin’s city highway, where the speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph).
However, the system operates only when it detects a vehicle ahead. On open highways without leading traffic, drivers must retake control of the vehicle. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz specifies that the car must be in the right lane for the Drive Pilot to function, a requirement that was not in place at speeds up to 60 km/h.
Pricing Details
The Drive Pilot system costs at least €5,950 ($6,300) as an optional feature. In the EQS electric sedan, additional packages may be necessary, potentially pushing the total price to nearly €14,000 ($14,800), according to the online configurator.
Targeting 130 km/h by Decade’s End
German regulations already permit highly automated driving systems at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Mercedes-Benz aims to reach this benchmark by the end of the decade. The company also advocates for external indicators showing when a vehicle is operating autonomously. In some U.S. states, turquoise signal lights are already approved for this purpose.
System Limitations Remain
Despite the speed upgrade, many operational limitations for the Drive Pilot remain unchanged. The system’s supplemental manual lists 20 restrictions, including non-functionality in cases of sensor damage, navigation issues, detected hazards, or adverse weather conditions such as rain, darkness, or temperatures below 3°C (37°F).
