While Americans and Canadians have been able to buy Mercedes vehicles that can initiate a lane change automatically, the brand’s European customers were denied the technology until now.
Mercedes announced today that the launch of the technology for its home market will coincide with the introduction of the new E-Class, which will have the ability to change lanes automatically under certain circumstances.
Automatic lane changing is now familiar to many luxury vehicle drivers, but in the case of the E-Class works between speeds of 50-87 mph (80-140 km/h) on divided highways. The road must have a speed limit, and the car must be equipped with MBUX Navigation in order for the driver to be able to use Automatic Lane Change Assist.
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With Mercedes’ Active Distance Assist Distronic with Active Steering Assist activated, if the car comes upon a slower vehicle, it can change lanes to get around it, without requiring any input from the driver. The system can even assist the driver when it comes to navigating exits and changing from one highway to another.
However, since this is part of a Level 2 assistance package, the driver must always be in control of the vehicle, and their hands must always be on the wheel. Although the lane change function is limited to speeds of 87 mph (140 km/h), the Distronic system can assist drivers with maintaining their speed, slowing for other vehicles, and steering within their lane at speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h).
“Now we are offering a more comfortable driving experience with the Automatic Lane Change driver-assist system,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief technology officer. “It is already available for order in the U.S., and I am happy to announce that we are now able to offer Automatic Lane Change in Europe, too. That is how Mercedes-Benz underscores its position as a pioneer and a technological leader.”
In addition to this system, Mercedes plans to offer Drive Pilot, the world’s first Level 3 autonomous system for sale to consumers. The technology will be available to consumers in California and Nevada on certain 2024 model year vehicles.
