Mercedes-Benz Autonomous Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and when it comes to autonomous cars there’s no exception. While other automakers are still trying to figure out how to create a vehicle that can drive itself, Mercedes-Benz is well along the pathway of providing such a product to customers.

Recent Success

Back in August of 2013 the company made history with the pioneering S 500 Intelligent Drive research vehicle. The car drove itself from Mannheim to Pfozheim, tracing the exact same pathway taken 125 years before by Carl Benz’s wife Bertha to prove that the Benz motor car was a suitable way to travel long distances. The new autonomous sedan, which is a modified S-Class, had to negotiate quite a few sticky scenarios in its 100 kilometer journey, thanks to thick traffic and several problem areas. Still the car performed brilliantly, proving the viability of autonomous drive technology.

Technology

Most people don’t realize that partially automated drive technologies are already available to consumers in a number of vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class. For example, when encountering tiresome traffic jams, the Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot can steer the vehicle safely through the mess, giving the driver a break from the stress.

Today, Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with a number of sensors that help drivers spot potential obstacles earlier, helping to prevent accidents. In some situations, the vehicle can even apply the brakes, automatically avoiding a collision and keeping the occupants safe. With this kind of technology helping out drivers every day, hopefully members of the public become more accepting of the many advantages autonomous drive systems present.

The Future

In a most dramatic fashion, Mercedes-Benz has shown the future of autonomous drive technology with the F 015 Luxury in Motion research vehicle. It looks incredibly futuristic, making it a literal showstopper at venues around the world. To create the innovative vehicle, the automaker assembled an impressive interdisciplinary team of experts, showing a wonderful vision of the future of mobility.

Instead of just being a vehicle, the F 015 Luxury in Motion is a private retreat that can transport occupants to wherever they want to be. Owners and their passengers enjoy a private space in the vehicle’s interior, with four seats that can swivel to face each other, creating a sort of conference room on wheels. By the time such a vehicle would be available for purchase, society in general will have accepted autonomous drive technology, thanks to years of reliable service. Whenever the driver doesn’t want to be in control, such as during traffic jams, the morning rush hour, or on tedious stretches of open highway, the car takes over and allows everyone to socialize face-to-face.

Thanks to these exciting advancements, Mercedes-Benz is boldly forging into the future of autonomous vehicles. It will continue to remain at the forefront of the cutting-edge technology, providing customers with an enriched experience every time they take to the road.