Hands-Free at 59 MPH: Mercedes-Benz Enhances Drive Pilot in Germany

Mercedes-Benz boosts Drive Pilot’s hands-free, eyes-off driving speed to 59 mph in Germany.

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Key Takeaways

  • Mercedes-Benz increases Drive Pilot’s hands-free, eyes-off driving speed to 59 mph in Germany.
  • The upgrade requires re-certification and will be available to customers in early 2025.
  • Mercedes-Benz aims to further increase Drive Pilot’s speed to 80 mph by the end of the decade.

Get ready to cruise down the Autobahn at a brisker pace with your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. Mercedes-Benz has just announced a significant upgrade to its Drive Pilot system in Germany, boosting the maximum speed at which you can let the car take control from 37 mph (60 km/h) to a zippy 59 mph (95 km/h).

This means you can now sit back, relax, and let your Mercedes handle the driving in more situations, like when you’re stuck in slow-moving traffic on the highway. The catch? You’ll need to be in the right lane, following another vehicle, and within the speed limit. But hey, that’s a small price to pay for the freedom to take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road.

To make this happen, Mercedes-Benz needs to get the green light from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, as reported by The Verge. They expect to have everything sorted out by the end of 2024, so you can start enjoying the upgraded Drive Pilot in early 2025. And if you already have Drive Pilot in your Mercedes, don’t worry – you’ll get the speed boost for free, either through an over-the-air update or a quick trip to the workshop.

iotworldtoday reports that under the hood, Drive Pilot is powered by a whole array of sensors, cameras, and a high-precision positioning system that work together to keep you safe and on track. And Mercedes-Benz isn’t stopping there – Wardsauto reports that they’re aiming to crank up the speed even further to 80 mph (130 km/h) by the end of the decade.

So, whether you’re cruising down the Autobahn or stuck in a traffic jam, the upgraded Drive Pilot will let you make the most of your time behind the wheel. Catch up on emails, watch a movie, or just sit back and enjoy the ride – your Mercedes has got you covered.

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