Mercedes-Benz has made significant strides in the realm of automated driving by becoming the first international car manufacturer to receive approval for Level 4 automated driving testing on designated urban roads and highways in Beijing. This approval marks a key milestone in Mercedes-Benz China’s research and development initiatives, which are integral to the global advancement of automated driving technologies. The testing will focus on evaluating and refining the software and hardware necessary for highly automated driving, with the ultimate goal of deploying these advancements in privately-owned vehicles worldwide. The initiative includes the use of two specially upgraded Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles equipped with advanced sensor arrays, such as LiDAR, radar, and cameras, to navigate complex urban environments and highways safely and efficiently. This progress builds on Mercedes-Benz’s longstanding commitment to innovation, following their earlier achievement as one of the first to receive Level 3 testing approval in Beijing at the end of 2023.
The development of Level 4 technology underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to setting new industry benchmarks, particularly in China, where the company has significantly increased its research and development investments. Since initiating local R&D efforts in 2005, Mercedes-Benz has established a comprehensive network outside of Germany, focusing on various aspects of automotive innovation, including electrification, connectivity, and automated driving. The Beijing-based testing project also highlights the deep collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and local partners like WeRide, further solidifying China’s role as a crucial hub in the global research and development landscape. With the new Level 4 testing approval, Mercedes-Benz continues to push the boundaries of automated driving, aiming to integrate these advanced technologies into its future models while catering to the unique demands of the Chinese market.
