Mercedes-Benz has obtained the approval needed to begin Level 4 automated driving testing on designated urban roads and highways in Beijing. Operating as part of a series of technology research projects being carried out by Mercedes‑Benz China, this initiative will explore new technologies in developing automated driving system software and hardware systems.
The project will more closely focus on studying multi-sensor perception in high-level automated driving, verifying system performance under various conditions and exploring the deep integration of perception. A pair of upgraded Mercedes-Benz S-Class models equipped with a dedicated sensor array designed for the project (which itself includes LiDAR, a radar sensor, and several cameras) will serve as its key testing vehicles.
In busy urban areas, the vehicles are being developed to participate in normal traffic, with Mercedes-Benz aiming for them to safely and efficiently complete maneuvers such as unprotected left turns, navigating roundabouts, U-turns, and parking in these areas. On highways, the vehicles will perform automatic lane changes when the vehicle in front slows down and can pass through toll stations. In extreme situations, a minimal risk maneuver conducted within these testing operations will help the vehicles find a safe location to stop. Mercedes‑Benz and WeRide jointly received the Level 4 automated driving testing approval, which itself was issued by the Beijing High-Level Automated Driving Demonstration Zone Office.
The approval of Mercedes-Benz’s L4 testing in China marks the latest step in the OEM’s ADAS and autonomous technology activities in the region. Key among these is the rollout of its Level 2+ automated driving function, which Mercedes-Benz R&D China led development on, that enables navigation-assisted driving capabilities on highways and urban expressways. In recent years, Mercedes‑Benz has likewise increased its R&D investment in China up to RMB 10.5 billion ($1.4 billion / €1.3 billion / £1.1 billion) in the past five years, subsequently launching new R&D centers in the cities of Beijing and Shanghai.
