Mercedes-Benz is pausing the deployment of the Drive Pilot system just a week after announcing the updated version of its flagship S-Class featuring this autopilot.
According to the resource Handelsblatt, the German automotive giant has decided to adjust its strategy concerning autonomous driving systems. Sources within the company suggest that the aforementioned updated S-Class version will no longer offer Level 3 driving mode, which allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel and even watch movies.
However, Mercedes now states this withdrawal is temporary, not permanent, citing moderate demand and steep production expenses for developing the technology.
Concurrently, the company is preparing to launch a new Level 2++ feature called Drive Pilot Assist, which is slated for release this year. This system is similar to Tesla’s FSD in that it can be used in cities, but it does not permit the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel or indeed become distracted by a film.
It is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz was among the first to offer its customers Level 3 autopilot by launching Drive Pilot with the electric EQS sedan and the gasoline S-Class in the autumn of 2023.
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