Self Driving Mercedes: Behind the Wheel!

This video provides an on-site look at Mercedes’ autonomous driving effort showcased at CES 2017, focusing on a production E-class outfitted with Drive Pilot sensors and interface enhancements. Marques Brownlee walks the audience through the car, explaining that Mercedes is leveraging a combination of cameras, radar sensors, and enhanced map data from Here Maps to augment the vehicle’s self-driving capabilities, unlike approaches that rely solely on in-car sensors. He notes that Drive Pilot is designed to keep the driver ready to retake control, with steering wheel controls for all functions and a lightweight attention-check system that requires a touch input about every ten seconds. A key distinction emphasized is the integration of map data to perform certain automated maneuvers, such as turns, which are initiated earlier and completed automatically when nearing the planned waypoint, then reaccelerating to the speed limit. The comparison to Tesla Autopilot centers on the additional map-based layer Mercedes uses, as well as a different user-availability model for keeping hands on the wheel rather than purely hands-off operation. Brownlee also discusses practical limitations, including GPS map inaccuracies that can cause the car to delay or fail to slow for a turn if the road isn’t properly mapped, highlighting that this system is still evolving and remains a level-two solution rather than a fully autonomous system. The overall impression is one of cautious optimism: the tech is compelling and intuitive, but trust and reliability still depend on continued refinement of maps, sensor fusion, and driver engagement in real-world driving. The video closes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on whether they would trust such a system for everyday driving and highlighting Mercedes’ progress as a competitor in the autonomous car space.

Topics · automotive technology · autonomous vehicles · ces 2017 · tech reviews