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by oxfordmale 467 days ago
Mercedes has gained approval to test Level 4 autonomous driving. Level 4 is considered fully autonomous driving, although the vehicle retains a traditional cockpit, and the driver can request control at any time. If a Level 4 system fails or cannot proceed, it is required to pull the vehicle over and bring it to a complete stop under its own control.

I would argue that it is getting very close to what people think autopilot can do. A car that, under certain circumstances, can drive for you and doesn't kill you if you don't pay constant attention.
1 comments
iknowstuff 467 days ago
Ah yes the Mercedes L4

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h3WiY_4kgkE

The one which needs a leading vehicle to follow below 40mph on some stretches of freeways? Try to look up videos of it from owners that are not press or mercedes reps.

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digitalPhonix 467 days ago
That’s clearly marketed as Level 3. As in, level 3 is publicly available and usable on public roads right now.

From: https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manuals/drive-pilot

> Raising the bar in autonomous driving technology, Mercedes-Benz is the first automobile manufacturer in the US to achieve a Level 3 certification based on a 0-5 scale from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Under specific conditions, our technology allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, eyes off the road — and take in their surroundings

(Specific conditions being the lead car and speed limits you noted, but that’s not what the person you’re replying to is talking about)

Additionally to their level 3 system, they’ve been granted permission to test Level 4 systems not for public use/availability, on a prototype vehicle:

https://www.wardsauto.com/autonomous-adas/mercedes-benz-gain...

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watwut 467 days ago
They even take legal responsibility for crash in those circumstances. Because they trust it to work in specified circumstances.
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razemio 467 days ago
Not sure about other countries but in Germany L4 is only active on freeways up to certain speeds. The video you linked is not showing this. At least the parts where I skipped through.
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iknowstuff 467 days ago
With a lead car, on select sections without any significant bends, in perfect weather, and with a speed limit*
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