Mercedes-Benz has pioneered the American market with Level 3 Autonomous Driving technology. Leading the way in this area, they provide a special driving experience called "Driver Pilot," which is offered for vehicles such as the S-Class sedan and EQS.

Hands-free Driving from Mercedes, S-Class,EQS

With the help of this cutting-edge innovation, drivers may enjoy hands-free driving without having to watch the road all the time. The luxury carmaker just started selling these innovative automobiles to average customers, which is a huge step forward for the automotive industry. There are currently 65 Mercedes autonomous cars for sale in California alone, and deliveries are in progress.

Fortune's knowledge regarding this news, stems from an open records from the state's DMV, sheds light on a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology by Mercedes-Benz. The DMV's confirmation of the first autonomous Mercedes sale in California signifies a notable achievement for the luxury automaker.

While specific sales figures remain undisclosed by Mercedes, it's evident that the demand for Level 3 Autonomous Driving, under the "Driver Pilot" feature, is burgeoning. Additionally, Mercedes dealerships in Nevada are now presenting vehicles equipped with this cutting-edge technology, providing customers with the opportunity to experience the convenience and safety of navigating roads without having to watch the road all the time.

Mercedes offers drivers the convenience of activating their Drive Pilot technology under specific conditions. These include navigating heavy traffic jams, daytime driving, and cruising at speeds under 40 mph on designated California and Nevada freeways.

During these instances, drivers can engage in other activities while the vehicle autonomously handles the journey. However, the system prompts drivers to resume control once necessary. It's important to note that Drive Pilot operates only on pre-approved roads by Mercedes, meaning it's not functional on freeways in states outside of California and Nevada.

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Self-Driving, Nevada, California

ExtremeTech reports that Mercedes initiated the process of securing government approval for its Drive Pilot technology in the previous year. Taking advantage of Nevada's legislation permitting all levels of autonomous driving on public roads, Mercedes opted for a "self-approval" approach for its software by January 2023.

Subsequently, the company submitted the necessary documentation for California approval a few months later. By June, California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) granted Mercedes a Level 3 self-driving permit, enabling the German automaker to commence the sale of Drive Pilot-equipped vehicles within the state.

According to CNET, American consumers interested in Mercedes EQS and S-Class models have the option to subscribe to Drive Pilot, the autonomous driving system offered by Mercedes-Benz, for an extra annual fee of $2,500. However, it's important to note that vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot are currently only permitted on roads in California and Nevada.

Mercedes intends to leverage these states as testing grounds to assess the efficacy of the technology, with the aspiration that other states across the US will eventually authorize its use. Drivers sharing the road with Mercedes vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot will easily identify when the system is engaged by noticing the distinctive turquoise lights adorning the car's exterior.

Mercedes obtained special authorization to utilize lighting of this specific color towards the end of the previous year, enhancing visibility and signaling the activation of Drive Pilot mode to surrounding motorists.

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