by Mercedes Launches New Level of Autonomous Driving System in the USA
Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch its advanced driver assistance system, MB.Drive Assist Pro, on the United States market. This technology, which will debut later this year on the CLA model and will also be available for the GLC EQ, offers the possibility of hands-free navigation in urban conditions.
Key features of the new system include:
Technical Equipment and Capabilities
The manufacturer notes that the system is activated by pressing a button and assists in navigating city streets—from leaving a parking spot to the destination. Importantly, the system is “cooperative,” allowing the driver to intervene in control at any moment without the need to fully deactivate it.
By pressing a button, the car can assist in navigating city streets—from parking to destination—thanks to advanced SAE Level 2 assistance.
The operation of MB.Drive Assist Pro is ensured by a powerful sensor network, reminiscent of Tesla’s approach. The system uses about 30 different sensors:
- 10 cameras
- 5 radar sensors
- 12 ultrasonic sensors
All information is processed by a “super-powerful supercomputer” with a performance of up to 508 TOPS (trillion operations per second).
The Role of Partnership with Nvidia
Details of the technology are supplemented by information from Nvidia, which reported that their Drive AV software will be used on the CLA. This platform enables point-to-point navigation in complex urban conditions, as well as provides proactive collision avoidance and automatic parking in confined spaces.
The system is designed for human-like driving, capable of following routes, executing turns, and making decisions about lane choice. It also “understands” vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users, and can proactively respond by stopping or yielding.
Terms of Use and Regulatory Aspects
The magazine Car & Driver, which has already tested the system, classified it as Level 2+ with the possibility of hands-free navigation. However, the driver must remain alert—this will be monitored by a special in-cabin camera.
Access to MB.Drive Assist Pro features will be provided via a subscription model. It is reported that a three-year subscription will cost $3,950, and a monthly payment option is also being considered.
Some uncertainty in the details is explained by regulatory processes. The final specifications and capabilities of the system will likely be clarified after receiving necessary approvals from relevant US authorities.
The introduction of such a system indicates a significant step in the development of semi-autonomous technologies for mass-produced cars. In particular, the focus on the urban environment, where traffic is most unpredictable, demonstrates the engineers’ confidence in the reliability of sensors and algorithms. The subscription-based approach, rather than a one-time payment, is becoming increasingly common among premium manufacturers, turning complex features into a service. The success of this initiative will largely depend not only on technical perfection but also on how convenient and cost-effective end consumers perceive it to be in the long term.
