Mercedes Confirms Plans for Level 3 Autonomy in 2020

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit plans to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving systems on the S-Class sedan in 2020.

The technology, which allows for full autonomy under certain conditions, initially will be offered as an option in markets that allow it, Ola Kaellenius, Daimler's head of research, tells reporters. Currently only Germany has approved such systems.

Level 3 autonomy allows drivers to take their eyes off the road while their vehicle is in self-driving mode. But they still may be required to take control if needed, which has prompted concern about the safety risks of transferring control back and forth.

The 2018 Audi A8 sedan currently is the only production vehicle with Level 3 capability. BMW also plans to introduce a Level 3 system early next decade in its upcoming iNext electric vehicle.

The current S-Class and several other high-end vehicles—such as the Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise, Lexus LS and Tesla electric vehicles with Autopilot—provide Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, which requires that drivers pay attention to the road at all times and be prepared to quickly take control of the vehicle.

Mercedes is “on the verge of jumping to Level 3” with the next S-Class, Kaellenius says, confirming reports this summer. Kaellenius, who will succeed Dieter Zetsche as CEO next May, says the technology should spread “relatively quickly” to high-volume models after it's proven in the S-Class. Daimler also is working with Bosch on a fully autonomous shuttle service, which the partners plan to test late next year in Silicon Valley.