The new Mercedes-Benz function can automatically overtake slower vehicles.
Automatic Lane Change, which is acronymed ALC, is already available in the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class, as well as in all Mercedes Benz EQ vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. The company is now offering further intelligent development of its SAE-Level 2 driving assistance system for Europe, adapting this functionality to European driving situations.
This product will be delivered to consumers simultaneously with the first units of the new E-Class and will operate on roads with markings and structurally separated lanes.
The system assists the driver, not relieves him of control
The ALC function is integrated into the DISTRONIC active distance support system and is an integral part of the steering assistance. If a large car is moving ahead, the system’s programmed on-board computer can initiate the maneuver itself in the speed range of 80-140 km/h and complete the overtaking completely automatically. However, it will do so only if lane markings are detected and there is enough space for such a maneuver.
A prerequisite is a road with a speed limit and a car equipped with MBUX navigation. The system does not require any additional actions from the driver to perform an automatic lane change. It also helps with exits and highway changes.
To automatically change lanes, the system needs to see the applied markings and clear contours of its own and neighboring lanes. Screenshot from the manufacturer’s video
Under all circumstances, the driver remains responsible for automatic lane change in SAE-Level 2 and must keep his or her hands on the steering wheel. This is a requirement of Mercedes-Benz, which considers safety a top priority.
“For many years, Mercedes-Benz has been setting the standard for automated driving and driver assistance programs. Today, we are offering a more comfortable driving experience with the driver assistance system with automatic lane change,” comments Markus Schaefer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Development Officer.
DISTRONIC regulates the speed
In the SAE-Level 2 range, Mercedes-Benz relies on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist in partially automated mode to help the driver steer the vehicle at speeds of up to 210 km/h.
The system works on all types of roads. At speeds of up to 130 km/h, the steering assistant reacts even to barely visible road markings. DISTRONIC automatically adjusts the speed, selects the distance to the vehicle ahead and helps restart the engine in traffic jams with frequent stops.
The DRIVE PILOT functionality mentioned in Markus Schaefer’s commentary is currently the only system in the world with international approval for highly automated driving (SAE-Level 3). It allows customers to transmit system tasks in heavy traffic or congestion on the relevant sections of the highway at speeds up to 60 km/h.
Clients are then able to use this time to do something else, to focus on secondary activities. From May 2022, DRIVE PILOT will be available in Germany for the S-Class and E-Class models.
In the US market, DRIVE PILOT will be available as an option for the S-Class and E-Class models for the 2024 model year. Most likely, the first such cars will be delivered to customers at the end of 2023. In addition, Mercedes-Benz was also the first automaker to receive the relevant approval in the US states of California and Nevada.
Safety first and foremost
Mercedes-Benz is considered a leader in setting vehicle safety standards through technical innovation, including as a trendsetter in safe “manual” driving. There are many examples.
Just take ABS (1978 S-Class W116), airbags (1981 S-Class W126) or ESP® (1995 S-Coupe C140). Mercedes-Benz was the first to bring these and other vehicle safety innovations to the market.
The same applies to driving assistance systems: Mercedes-Benz was the first to demonstrate the DISTRONIC proximity control system (1998, S-Class W220), which is now an SAE-Level 1 system. The brand with the three-ray star has also been setting the standard for SAE-Level 2 function for many years.
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In addition, great attention is paid to safety and reliability when driving with a high degree of automation (SAE Level 3). The DRIVE PILOT is based on a system architecture that allows you to safely manage various situations that may arise at any time.
The four main control postulates include the brake, steering systems, power supply, and part of the sensor system. Here, in particular, you can’t do without a radar and a camera, as well as the use of LiDAR. The situational deficiencies of one sensor can be compensated for by the characteristics of others. With this safety-oriented system design, Mercedes-Benz is setting completely new standards for automated driving. However, there is one BUT…
The manufacturer emphasizes that the current SAE 1 and 2 assistance systems are designed to assist the driver on the road, to make his work easier, but in no way relieve him of control and responsibility.
