Mercedes-Benz will commence testing its level 4 autonomous driving testing in China
Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first international automaker to receive approval for Level 4 automated driving testing on designated urban roads and highways in Beijing.
This approval marks a major advancement in the company’s ongoing technology research initiatives in China, where the focus is on developing advanced automated driving systems. Previously, in late 2023, Mercedes-Benz had already secured approval for Level 3 automated driving testing in Beijing.
Moreover, the new Level 4 testing is a step further, aiming to push the boundaries of automated driving technology. This level of automation allows vehicles to operate independently without the need for a human driver to be ready to take control in most situations.
The Level 4 testing will involve Mercedes-Benz’s specially upgraded S-Class models, which are equipped with an extensive array of sensors, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras. The project’s objectives include studying multi-sensor perception and verifying the system’s performance under various driving conditions.
This research will also help in enhancing the integration of different perception technologies, crucial for high-level automated driving. The testing vehicles will navigate busy urban environments, handle complex manoeuvres such as unprotected left turns, roundabouts, U-turns, and parking, and will also perform tasks on highways like automatic lane changes.
On top of that, in emergencies, the vehicles are programmed to execute minimal risk manoeuvres to find a safe stopping point. This achievement in Level 4 automated driving underscores Mercedes-Benz’s long-term commitment to innovation in this field. The company’s journey began in 1986 with initial research into automated driving.
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has significantly advanced its technology, with recent developments including the Level 2+ automated driving functions led by its R&D team in China. These functions enable navigation-assisted driving on highways and urban expressways and have received positive feedback, starting with the new long-wheelbase E-Class.
Mercedes-Benz established local R&D activities in China in 2005, and since then, the China team has evolved into the company’s most comprehensive R&D network outside Germany. This network spans various areas, including advanced design, electrification, connectivity, and automated driving.
In the past five years alone, Mercedes-Benz has invested RMB 10.5 billion (approximately RM6.4 billion) in its Chinese R&D operations, leading to the establishment of new R&D centres in Beijing and Shanghai. We got all this from Electric Cars Report and their full article is linked here. Thank you Electric Cars Report for the information and images.
