Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce its Automatic Lane Change (ALC) function to the European market, enhancing its driver-assistance capabilities. The company is actively working on adapting the ALC system to suit European traffic situations, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

The ALC function enables a Mercedes-Benz vehicle to initiate a lane change autonomously when it detects a slower vehicle ahead. This feature operates within the speed range of 80 to 140 km/h, automatically overtaking when appropriate lane markings are seen and sufficient clearance is available.

To utilize the ALC function, the vehicle must be equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX Navigation system and be driving on a road with a designated speed limit. By synchronizing the market launch with the delivery of the first units of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz aims to introduce this advanced feature to its customers seamlessly.

ALC is primarily designed to operate on motorway-like roads with lane markings and structurally separated directional lanes. It leverages the advanced technology and sensors in Mercedes-Benz vehicles to provide a safer and more convenient driving experience.

While ALC is a new addition to the European market, it has already been available in all Mercedes-Benz EQ series vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. This showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to different regions around the world and offering enhanced driving experiences to its customers.

Markus Schäfer, the Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development & Procurement, expressed the company’s dedication to innovation in automated driving and driver-assistance programs. Schäfer highlighted the significance of the DRIVE PILOT system, which brings internationally certified SAE-Level 3 highly automated driving to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Since 2022, vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT have been available in Germany, and soon they will also be available for order in the United States. Mercedes-Benz is also pushing boundaries in the realm of parking automation with its INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT system, the world’s first certified SAE-Level 4 fully-automated, driverless parking solution.

Schäfer acknowledged the positive reception of these technologies in Germany and announced that Mercedes-Benz is now extending the availability of the Automatic Lane Change driver-assist system to Europe. This move reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s position as a pioneering and technological leader in the automotive industry, offering its customers a more comfortable and advanced driving experience.