August 08, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz announces to have become the first international car maker to obtain approval for Level 4 automated driving testing for designated urban roads and highways in Beijing.
As part of Mercedes‑Benz China's technology research projects, this Level 4 testing aims to explore cutting-edge technology in developing automated driving system software and hardware. Previously, at the end of 2023, Mercedes‑Benz became one of the first automakers to obtain approval for Level 3 testing in Beijing.
Since we invented the automobile 138 years ago, Mercedes‑Benz has continuously set new global standards with innovative technologies. The current development and introduction of automated driving systems is redefining the role of the automobile. We offer more than 40 driver assistance systems, including enhanced Level 2 features, and are the first car maker with a Level 3 system in the market. With the new approval for testing Level 4 technology in the Beijing area, for later use in privately owned vehicles worldwide, Mercedes‑Benz leaps forward on the way to autonomous driving. Once again, we are setting the new industry benchmark – at ‘China speed.
Markus Schäfer
Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement
The project focuses on studying multi-sensor perception in high-level automated driving, verifying system performance under various conditions, and exploring the deep integration of perception. Two specially upgraded Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class models will serve as Level 4 automated driving testing vehicles, equipped with a rich sensor-array designed specifically for the project, including LiDAR, radar sensor, and cameras.
Extensive testing in normal traffic
Additionally, the testing vehicles are equipped with redundant systems to further enhance system safety. In busy urban areas, the testing vehicles are being developed to participate in normal traffic and both safely and efficiently complete manoeuvres such as unprotected left turns, navigating roundabouts, U-turns, and parking. On highways, the testing vehicles can perform automatic lane changes when the vehicle in front slows down and can pass through toll stations. In extreme situations, the vehicle will execute a minimal risk manoeuvre and find a safe location to stop. Level 4 stands for highly automated driving and is the second highest stage in automated driving; in defined scenarios and environments, the vehicle can complete driving tasks without the driver needing to be ready to take over at any time. Mercedes‑Benz and WeRide jointly received the Level 4 automated driving testing approval, which the Beijing High-Level Automated Driving Demonstration Zone Office issued.
Mercedes‑Benz pushes development of latest technology in China
Mercedes‑Benz's achievements in the field of automated driving stem from decades of exploration and investment, beginning research on automated driving as early as 1986. In recent years, Mercedes‑Benz R&D China has been continuously accelerating the research, development and deployment of automated driving technology. The Level 2+ automated driving function, led by the China R&D team, is the most recent achievement, allowing navigation-assisted driving capabilities on highways and urban expressways nationwide. Starting with the all-new long-wheelbase E‑Class, this function has already received positive market feedback and will soon be introduced to more Mercedes‑Benz models.
Important partner in the global R&D network for automated driving technology
Mercedes‑Benz started local R&D activities in 2005. The China team has grown into the most comprehensive R&D network outside Germany, covering advanced design, electrification, connectivity, automated driving, and whole vehicle testing. In recent years, Mercedes‑Benz has continuously increased its R&D investment in China, totalling RMB 10.5 billion in the past five years, subsequently launching new R&D centres in Beijing and Shanghai.
