The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has just been awarded an autonomous driving license in the state of Nevada, becoming the first standard-production car to do so.
All other autonomous cars testing on the streets and highways of Nevada are installed with a multitude of special software and hardware, including modified steering systems and further sensors and cameras. With the new E-Class however, it will be permitted, at times, to drive itself through Nevada with nothing other than some small software modifications to the Drive Pilot control unit.
As with other autonomous cars in Nevada, the new E-Class will have to have a driver and passenger onboard to take control when turning, merging and departing lanes. Other than that, the German luxury sedan will be permitted to drive itself.
Nevada has become very popular for autonomous driving testing as its road network and traffic volume are closely representative of average road conditions in the United States. The state is also home to leading regulations on autonomous driving.
Member of the board of management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development Thomas Weber “The fact that Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first vehicle manufacturer to be awarded such a licence shows that we are a step ahead when it comes to autonomous Driving. The new E-Class is therefore another big step to the fully automated vehicle. ”
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