Mercedes-Benz Achieves Milestone with Level 4 Automated Driving Testing Approval in Beijing, Expanding R&D Efforts in China

Mercedes-Benz Achieves Milestone with Level 4 Automated Driving Testing Approval in Beijing, Expanding R&D Efforts in China
Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Expands R&D in China with Level 4 Testing

Mercedes-Benz has solidified its commitment to advancing automated driving technology by becoming the first international automaker to secure approval for Level 4 automated driving testing on designated urban roads and highways in Beijing. This significant milestone follows the company's extensive investment in research and development within China, where it has established the most comprehensive R&D network outside Germany.

Advanced Sensor Technology and Safety Systems

The Level 4 testing project focuses on pioneering research in automated driving system software and hardware, particularly in multi-sensor perception and the deep integration of perception systems. Two specially upgraded Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles are being utilized for these tests, equipped with an array of advanced sensors, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras, as well as redundant systems to enhance safety. These vehicles are designed to navigate complex urban environments and highways, performing maneuvers such as unprotected left turns, U-turns, and automatic lane changes, while also handling toll stations and executing minimal risk maneuvers in extreme situations.

Mercedes-Benz's Legacy in Automated Driving

Mercedes-Benz's achievements in the field of automated driving are rooted in decades of research, dating back to 1986. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of this technology, with recent efforts led by Mercedes-Benz R&D China. The latest achievement from this team is the Level 2+ automated driving function, which supports navigation-assisted driving on highways and urban expressways across China. This feature, first introduced with the all-new long-wheelbase E-Class, has received positive feedback and will soon be available in more Mercedes-Benz models.

Growing Investment and Local R&D Expansion

Mercedes-Benz began its local R&D activities in China in 2005, and since then, the company has continually expanded its efforts in the region. Over the past five years, Mercedes-Benz has invested RMB 10.5 billion (1.34 billion euros) in R&D in China, leading to the launch of new R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai. These centers focus on advanced design, electrification, connectivity, and whole vehicle testing, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation in the Chinese market.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects

The approval for Level 4 automated driving testing in Beijing was granted jointly to Mercedes-Benz and WeRide by the Beijing High-Level Automated Driving Demonstration Zone Office. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing automated driving technologies. As Mercedes-Benz continues to explore and develop these technologies, the company's efforts in China are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of automated driving worldwide.