Mercedes-Benz drivers could get their hands on a technology that Elon Musk has literally been promising for years—and before Tesla drivers.
The German car company has just announced plans to introduce 'Level 3' self-driving in Nevada by the end of this year.
The firm's 'Drive Pilot' system means drivers will be able to watch movies, play videogames, and browse the Internet while the car handles 'all aspects' of driving.
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Meanwhile, Tesla drivers are still stuck with 'Level 2' self-driving which requires the driver to remain in control of key aspects of the journey—despite Elon Musk promising 'full self-driving' every year for over a decade.
Like a Tesla, the Drive Pilot system will require drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel, and autonomous driving will deactivate if the driver falls asleep or gets distracted.
The self-driving system will also only work on roads up to 40 mph. However, it still meets the US highway safety administration's framework for Level 3 automation, which states that the car "handles all aspects of the driving task while the driver remains available to take over driving if requested."
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Cameras in the dashboard ensure that the driver's face is always visible. If something is placed in front of their face, like a selfie camera, the AI-powered system will deactivate.
The system has already been used in Germany since December 2021, where authorities deemed it road safe.
The system is also reportedly cheaper than that offered by Tesla. It's priced at $5,300 for the S-Class and $8,000 for the Mercedes EQS models, compared to the $15,000 Tesla charges for a less capable system.
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