Mercedes-Benz secures approval for Level 4 autonomous vehicle testing in Beijing, advancing research on multi-sensor perception and system performance for future self-driving cars. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing research and development efforts, particularly in the areas of multi-sensor perception and system performance for advanced autonomous driving technologies. The testing is part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader strategy to explore the integration of sophisticated perception and control mechanisms within autonomous vehicles.
The approval to test in Beijing is a crucial step for Mercedes-Benz, as the company aims to further advance its autonomous driving capabilities for future use in privately owned vehicles worldwide. Markus Schäfer, a member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz Group and CTO of development and procurement, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “With the new approval for testing Level 4 technology in the Beijing area, Mercedes-Benz takes a substantial leap forward on the path to autonomous driving. Once again, we are setting the industry benchmark at China speed.”
The Level 4 test vehicles from Mercedes-Benz are designed to operate independently, managing the majority of driving tasks without requiring driver intervention. These vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and redundant systems to ensure enhanced safety. According to Mercedes-Benz, the vehicles are capable of executing complex maneuvers in urban settings, such as parking, making U-turns, navigating traffic circles, and handling unprotected left turns.
On expressways, the vehicles demonstrate the ability to autonomously change lanes when necessary, such as when the vehicle ahead slows down, and they can seamlessly pass through toll stations. In extreme situations, the vehicles are programmed to follow a minimal risk strategy, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop in a secure location.
Oliver Löcher, Senior Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Group China, emphasized the importance of this approval, noting that it will enable the company to accelerate the development of automated driving technologies. He stated, “Obtaining approval for Level 4 automated driving road testing in Beijing will help Mercedes-Benz to push forward our innovations in autonomous driving. Our local R&D team is dedicated to delivering intelligent luxury products and services tailored to the needs of Chinese customers through a series of advanced research projects.”
This approval follows the introduction of the “Beijing Intelligent Connected Vehicle Policy Pilot Zone Conditional Autonomous Driving Function Vehicle Road Test Management Rules (Trial)” in December 2023, which set the framework for testing autonomous vehicles in the Chinese capital. This regulatory progress underscores Beijing’s commitment to fostering innovation in intelligent connected vehicle technologies.
