Mercedes-Benz Launches Several Autonomous Driving Projects
Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of a series of projects related to Level 4 autonomous driving technology. This means that cars will be able to fully drive themselves under certain conditions without any driver intervention.
RoboTaxi Based on the S-Class in Abu Dhabi
The most notable of these projects is the collaboration with the company Momenta. Together, they plan to launch a Level 4 robotaxi based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The first city to implement this service will be Abu Dhabi, with local support handled by the firm Lumo, which will manage the fleet of such vehicles. In the future, the companies are considering entering additional markets.
The autonomous S-Class will raise the bar for automated mobility and set new standards for the industry and intelligent transportation worldwide.
Technical Details and Appearance of the Autonomous Sedan
Detailed technical specifications remain largely a secret for now; however, images released by the manufacturer show that the car is equipped with a Lidar sensor installed on the roof. Additionally, extra cameras or sensors are placed on the mirrors and front fenders.
Global Strategy for Autonomy
The Abu Dhabi project complements other Mercedes programs aimed at developing Level 4 technologies. Some of them are focused on vehicles for private customers, while other projects have commercial applications. The company also confirmed that it is exploring the possibility of creating a robotaxi on the Nvidia Drive AV platform. This approach will allow the company to offer both public and private vehicles capable of moving without a driver in defined scenarios, which is likely to be relatively cost-effective.
Current Achievements and Testing
Mercedes-Benz already offers Level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology and became the first international automaker to receive permission to test Level 4 systems in Beijing. The S-Class prototypes undergoing trials studied “multi-sensor perception for highly automated driving, testing the system’s performance in various conditions.”
S-Class Update Already on the Way
Separate from the autonomy news, a “significantly updated” Mercedes-Benz S-Class is expected to debut at the end of January. Spy photos have repeatedly captured the updated sedan, and it is reported to receive a new radiator grille design inspired by the Vision Iconic concept car, as well as updated front and rear bumpers, LED optics, and other stylistic changes.
Complete Interior Update
However, the most significant changes will occur inside the car. The interior will be completely updated, featuring a brand-new dashboard with the MBUX Hyperscreen system. Furthermore, the model will receive modified center consoles and an updated steering wheel.
The planned launches demonstrate how Mercedes-Benz combines two key directions: developing advanced autonomous technologies for the future while simultaneously improving its current flagship model. This parallel advancement allows the company to remain a leader in the luxury car segment today and shape the standards of mobility tomorrow. The success of projects in cities like Abu Dhabi could become an important step for further scaling the technologies and their implementation in other regions of the world.