by The Next Mercedes S-Class Will Receive a Level Four Autonomous System
Nvidia has announced that the next generation of the Mercedes S-Class will be equipped with a level four autonomous driving system. This means that owners will be able to relax in the back seat while the car drives itself. Furthermore, Stellantis has joined forces with Uber, Foxconn, and Nvidia to develop and deploy robotaxis with a similar level of autonomy.
Partnership to Create Robotaxis
Stellantis, despite discontinuing the development of a level three semi-autonomous system earlier this year, has announced a global partnership with Uber, Foxconn, and Nvidia. The goal is the joint development and deployment of autonomous vehicles worldwide.
This partnership combines Stellantis’s global expertise in automotive engineering and manufacturing with Nvidia’s autonomous driving software and artificial intelligence technologies.
The initiative will also include leveraging Foxconn’s capabilities in electronics and system integration, as well as Uber’s experience in global transportation services. Together, the companies plan to create a scalable structure to support the next stage of autonomous mobility development.
Technical Details and Platforms
The robotaxis will be built on the STLA Small platform and medium-sized K0 vans, including the Citroën SpaceTourer, Peugeot Expert/Traveller, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, and Fiat Scudo/Ulysse. They will use the Nvidia Drive AGX Hyperion 10 autonomous vehicle architecture, which includes the DriveOS operating system and Drive AV software. This will provide level four autonomy with redundant systems for safety.
Implementation Plans
If all goes according to plan, production of the robotaxis will begin in 2028, initially in the USA. The companies intend to launch around 5,000 autonomous vehicles, with subsequent expansion into selected cities worldwide. Testing of prototypes and pilot programs are expected in the coming years.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa noted: “Autonomous mobility opens up new, more accessible transportation options for customers. We have created AV-Ready Platforms to meet growing demand, and by collaborating with leaders in artificial intelligence, electronics, and mobility services, we aim to create a scalable solution that will provide smarter, safer, and more efficient mobility for all.”
Mercedes S-Class with Level 4 Autonomy
Nvidia also reported that the Mercedes S-Class will offer “an exceptional level four autonomous driving experience, combining luxury, safety, and cutting-edge technology.” This will be a significant step, as level four systems have traditionally been limited to robotaxis rather than private transport.
Such a change could fundamentally transform the way we travel: instead of driving the car, one could settle in the back seat, work, or relax while the vehicle does all the work.
Nvidia Drive AGX Hyperion 10 Technologies
The Nvidia Drive AGX Hyperion 10 platform includes the Thor system-on-a-chip, the DriveOS operating system, and a multimodal sensor suite: lidar, 14 high-quality cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 9 radars. The company emphasized that Hyperion 10 is modular and configurable, allowing manufacturers to adapt it to their needs.
These innovations could accelerate the transition to autonomous transport, making it safer and more accessible. The implementation of such systems in mass production could change not only the automotive industry but also urban infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion and emissions. However, questions remain regarding regulation and society’s adaptation to the new technologies.
