Mercedes-Benz will launch a Level 3 automated driving system in 2022 after receiving regulatory approval.

Mercedes-Benz has received regulatory approval in Germany for its new DrivePilot Level 3 automated driving system. The basis for this approval was the internationally valid UN Regulation 157 on automated lane-keeping systems, which means that Mercedes will be able to offer this system internationally if countries allow it.

On the SAE automated driving performance scale, Level 3 represents a system that allows the driver to take his or her hands off the wheel and eyes off the road in certain situations, but is far from truly autonomous, as the driver must still be prepared to regain control at any time. According to Mercedes, Drive Pilot will operate at speeds of up to 37 mph in dense traffic on pre-mapped highways, with the system performing steering, acceleration, and braking maneuvers.

With the approval of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), Mercedes plans to offer Drive Pilot in its S-Class sedans starting in the first half of 2022. According to Mercedes, this approval will also apply to the EQS electric hatch, but the company has not stated when it will be installed in that vehicle.

The 2017 Road Traffic Act created the legal framework for Level 3 systems in Germany, but specific regulations allowing for Drive Pilot certification did not come into effect until early 2021, Mercedes noted.

Drive Pilot builds on the sensor suite of the S-Class driver assistance package, adding lidar, a camera in the rear window, and a microphone designed to detect the lights and sirens of approaching emergency vehicles, Mercedes said. It will also add redundant steering, braking, and electrical systems, the company said.

If the driver is prompted but fails to regain control, the car will automatically slow down to a stop and activate hazard lights, Mercedes said. Drive Pilot will also make an emergency call and unlock the doors and windows to allow emergency personnel to enter and exit, the automaker noted.

Mercedes said it will first offer Drive Pilot on 8,196 miles of highways in Germany. It also said that test runs are being conducted in the U.S. and China, but did not say when it would offer Drive Pilot in those markets.

Other automakers are beginning to roll out their own Level 3 systems. Honda launched its own version in the Legend sedan (previously sold in the U.S. as the Acura RLX) in Japan earlier this year after receiving regulatory approval.

BMW is also installing the Level 3 system, co-developed with Intel's Mobil Eye division, in its next-generation 7 Series, with plans to expand to the 5 Series, X5, X7, and iX electric SUVs later.