Recently, Mercedes-Benz became the first international car company approved for L4 urban and highway autonomous driving tests in Beijing. The company will conduct tests on designated roads in the city. Earlier, by the end of 2023, Mercedes-Benz was among the first companies approved for L3 tests in Beijing.
The project focuses on researching multi-sensor perception for advanced autonomous driving systems and their performance in extreme conditions. It explores the deep integration of perception and control. Two upgraded Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars serve as L4 autonomous test vehicles. They carry a range of sensors designed for this project, including lidar, millimeter-wave radar, and cameras. The test vehicles also include redundant systems to enhance safety. In busy urban areas, the test vehicles can safely and easily park, turn around, navigate roundabouts, and make unprotected left turns. On highways, they can automatically change lanes when the car in front slows down and pass through toll booths. In extreme situations, the vehicles will execute a minimal risk strategy and autonomously find a safe spot to stop.
