Mercedes Becomes First Carmaker To Start Level 4 Tests In China

Mercedes-Benz has been given the go-ahead to start tests of Level 4 self-driving systems on highways and urban roads in Beijing, China, in what the company claims is the first for any international automaker.

Mercedes-Benz confirmed the tests on its Weibo account. The testing regime uses special S-Class models equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, which appear to include multiple LiDARs housed on the roof within a curvy unit.

Read: Mercedes Becomes First Brand To Offer Level 3 Autonomous Driving In USA

Mercedes-Benz says its Level 4 system is being tested in a host of different scenarios, including parking, reversing, navigating roundabouts, and making left turns into traffic without human intervention. Prototypes also come with a redundancy system to improve their safety and can slow down and drive through single lanes at highway toll booths.

As a Level 4 system, the Mercedes setup can operate without human oversight for extended periods. Similar technology is currently being tested by Waymo and Baidu.

The German company has been testing and developing new and innovative self-driving systems tirelessly in recent years. In late 2022, it received approval to roll out a Level 4 automated parking function at a single parking garage at Stuttgart airport. Last year, the carmaker introduced a Level 3 Drive Pilot system to customers in the U.S., becoming the first system of its kind in the country fitted to a standard production vehicle authorized for use on public freeways. Drive Pilot is also distinguished from lesser self-driving systems from Mercedes through its use of LiDAR.

Interestingly, while tests of Level 4 systems are underway in China, the country only permits the public to use Level 2 systems. However, with a growing number of auto manufacturers and technology companies working on new systems, regulators will likely need to make changes.