NVIDIA is ushering in a new chapter of AI-powered mobility by bringing its NVIDIA DRIVE AV software to public roads in the United States, with deployment expected by the end of this year. The rollout begins with Mercedes-Benz, a long-standing partner committed to advancing vehicle safety, intelligence, and innovation.
At the center of this milestone is the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA, which becomes the first vehicle in the brand’s lineup to operate on the newly introduced MB.OS platform. This next-generation architecture is designed to support software-defined vehicles and enables advanced driver-assistance systems built on NVIDIA’s full-stack DRIVE AV solution. By combining AI software, robust infrastructure, and accelerated computing, the CLA delivers enhanced Level 2 point-to-point driver assistance capabilities tailored for real-world driving conditions.
The integration of NVIDIA DRIVE AV allows the CLA to support intelligent features such as adaptive lane guidance, automated navigation assistance, and improved situational awareness. These capabilities are designed not only to enhance driving comfort but also to improve overall safety by assisting drivers in complex traffic environments. NVIDIA’s AI-driven approach allows the vehicle to continuously process sensor data and make informed driving decisions in real time.
One of the defining advantages of this software-defined design is its ability to evolve. The MB.OS platform supports over-the-air software updates, enabling Mercedes-Benz to roll out future enhancements and new features without requiring a physical service visit. This includes planned upgrades to MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO, which may be available directly from the factory or later through the Mercedes-Benz digital store. As a result, the vehicle can improve over time, gaining new capabilities long after it leaves the showroom.
The CLA’s commitment to safety has already been recognized at the highest level. The vehicle recently earned a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), one of the most rigorous safety evaluation programs in the world. A significant factor behind this achievement was the strong performance of MB.DRIVE active safety systems, particularly in accident avoidance and mitigation scenarios. These systems leverage advanced sensing and AI-based decision-making to help prevent collisions before they occur.
According to Ali Kani, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA, the automotive industry is rapidly moving toward what he describes as “physical AI,” where vehicles are no longer static machines but intelligent platforms that learn and improve continuously. NVIDIA’s role, he explains, is to serve as the intelligence backbone that enables vehicles to be programmable, updatable, and increasingly capable through data and software.
Starting with Mercedes-Benz and the new CLA, this collaboration represents a major step forward in blending safety, design, engineering excellence, and AI-driven innovation. Together, NVIDIA and Mercedes-Benz are transforming the modern car into a living, learning system—one that adapts over time and sets a new benchmark for intelligent mobility on the road.
