At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Mercedes announced it would be the first automaker in the US with Level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology. Today the German automaker has been confirmed in state of Nevada for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving with a new system called Drive Pilot. Mercedes has already filed the appropriate documents for certification in California, and hopes to receive confirmation later this year.

This system will be available optionally on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan and 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan. These cars will be delivered in the second half of 2023.

While other semi-autonomous system allow drivers to go hands-free, like Ford's BlueCruise and GM's Super Cruise, those are only considered Level 2+. Mercedes Drive Pilot is the first true L3 system in the US, meaning drivers can fully "hand over the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under certain conditions."

Those "certain conditions" are a bit restrictive, but keep in mind Mercedes will take full responsibility for anything that happens when Drive Pilot is engaged. In other words, Mercedes will be liable if the car causes a pileup on the highway. Mercedes says Drive Pilot can be activated on "suitable freeway sections and where there is high traffic density" at speeds of up to 40 mph. Unlike an L2+ system, a driver can perform secondary tasks that require visual attention.

Vehicles with the system installed will have two new buttons positioned on the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. Lights will alert drivers when conditions are ideal and Drive Pilot can be activated. With the system engaged, the car will control speed and distance, stay in its lane, and even take evasive maneuvers if necessary.

Mercedes says it was able to achieve L3 automation by adding redundant systems on top of the existing Driving Assistance Package sensors. Drive Pilot-equipped vehicles get advanced LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicles, and a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. If any of these systems fail, the car includes redundant steering and braking actuators and a redundant on-board electrical system to deliver a smooth hand-off back to the driver.

In the event a driver cannot take over control, the car can come to a standstill, engage the hazard lights, and call for emergency services.

"An unwavering commitment to innovation has consistently guided Mercedes-Benz from the very beginning. It is a very proud moment for everyone to continue this leadership and celebrate this monumental achievement as the first automotive company to be certified for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the US market," says Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA.