Mercedes-Benz has set a new industry benchmark by becoming the first international automaker to receive approval for Level 4 automated driving testing on designated urban roads and highways in Beijing. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s pursuit of advancing automated driving technology, with the goal of integrating these systems into privately-owned vehicles worldwide.
A Leap Forward in Automated Driving Technology
As part of Mercedes-Benz China’s technology research initiatives, this Level 4 testing aims to explore the latest advancements in automated driving system software and hardware. This development follows the company’s previous achievement at the end of 2023, when it became one of the first automakers to receive approval for Level 3 testing in Beijing.
Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, emphasized the historical significance of this approval.
Since pioneering the automobile 138 years ago, Mercedes-Benz has consistently raised the bar with cutting-edge technologies. Our ongoing work in automated driving is reshaping what cars can do.
We currently offer over 40 driver assistance features, including advanced Level 2 capabilities, and we’re proud to be the first automaker with a Level 3 system available to consumers. With this recent approval to test Level 4 technology in Beijing, which will eventually be used in privately-owned vehicles worldwide, Mercedes-Benz is making a significant leap towards autonomous driving. We’re once again setting the industry’s standard—moving at the remarkable pace of ‘China speed.
Advancing Research and Development in China
Mercedes-Benz China plays a crucial role in the global research and development network for automated driving technology. With a commitment to innovation and a strong local R&D team, the company continues to drive forward the development of intelligent luxury products and services tailored to the needs of Chinese customers.
In recent years, Mercedes‑Benz has continuously increased its local R&D investment. Through a series of advanced research projects, the local R&D team is committed to bringing intelligent luxury products and services to the needs of Chinese customers at ‘China Speed.’”
Focused Testing and Safety Innovations
The Level 4 automated driving testing in Beijing focuses on studying multi-sensor perception in high-level automated driving, verifying system performance under diverse conditions, and exploring the deep integration of perception. Two specially upgraded Mercedes-Benz S-Class models will serve as the testing vehicles, equipped with a comprehensive sensor array, including LiDAR, radar sensors, and cameras, designed specifically for this project.
To ensure maximum safety, the testing vehicles are also equipped with redundant systems. These vehicles are being developed to navigate normal traffic in busy urban areas, efficiently completing complex maneuvers such as unprotected left turns, navigating roundabouts, U-turns, and parking. On highways, the vehicles can perform automatic lane changes and pass through toll stations. In extreme situations, they are programmed to execute a minimal risk maneuver, finding a safe location to stop.
The approval for Level 4 testing was granted by the Beijing High-Level Automated Driving Demonstration Zone Office in partnership with We-Ride, a leading autonomous driving technology company. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of automated driving technology.
Mercedes-Benz’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation in China
Mercedes-Benz’s journey in the field of automated driving technology dates back to 1986, with the company continuously investing in research and development to advance this field. The recent approval for Level 4 testing in Beijing represents a culmination of decades of exploration and innovation. The China R&D team has been instrumental in developing the Level 2+ automated driving function, which offers navigation-assisted driving capabilities on highways and urban expressways across the country. This feature, introduced with the all-new long-wheelbase E-Class, has already received positive feedback and will soon be available in more Mercedes-Benz models.
Mercedes-Benz China has been a key partner in the global R&D network for automated driving technology. Since launching local R&D activities in 2005, the China team has grown into the most comprehensive R&D network outside Germany, encompassing advanced design, electrification, connectivity, automated driving, and whole vehicle testing. The company has invested RMB 10.5 billion in R&D in China over the past five years, further solidifying its position as a leader in automotive innovation.
Conclusion
With the approval for Level 4 automated driving testing on urban roads and highways in Beijing, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way in automotive innovation. The company’s commitment to advancing automated driving technology, combined with its strategic partnerships and robust R&D capabilities in China, ensures that Mercedes-Benz remains at the forefront of the global push toward autonomous driving. As the company moves forward, consumers worldwide can look forward to the integration of these cutting-edge technologies into the next generation of luxury vehicles.