Mercedes-Benz Breaks New Ground with Level 4 Automated Driving in Beijing

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first international car manufacturer to receive approval for Level 4 automated driving tests on urban roads and highways in Beijing. This marks a crucial step in the company’s ongoing efforts to advance autonomous driving technology for privately owned vehicles worldwide.

The approval allows Mercedes-Benz to test advanced software and hardware for automated driving, pushing the boundaries of what vehicles can achieve independently. This Level 4 testing builds on previous achievements, including the company’s successful approval for Level 3 testing in Beijing at the end of 2023.

Advancing the Future of Driving

Since its beginning, Mercedes-Benz has always maintained its position at the forefront of automotive innovation. The company continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, particularly when it comes to autonomous driving.

“Since we invented the automobile 138 years ago, Mercedes-Benz has continuously set new global standards
with innovative technologies. The current development and introduction of automated driving systems is
redefining the role of the automobile. We offer more than 40 driver assistance systems, including enhanced
Level 2 features, and are the first car maker with a Level 3 system in the market. With the new approval for
testing Level 4 technology in the Beijing area, for later use in privately owned vehicles worldwide,
Mercedes-Benz leaps forward on the way to autonomous driving. Once again, we are setting the new industry
benchmark – at ‘China speed.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer,
Development & Procurement

The tests involve two specially equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles, fitted with a sophisticated range of sensors, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), radar, and cameras. These vehicles are designed to handle complex urban traffic scenarios, such as navigating roundabouts, making unprotected left turns, and even passing through motorway toll stations. The Level 4 designation indicates that these vehicles can operate without human intervention in certain environments, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

China: A Key Player in Mercedes-Benz’s Innovation Strategy

China plays an important role in Mercedes-Benz’s global research and development strategy. With a growing local R&D network and substantial investments, including RMB 10.5 billion over the past five years, Mercedes-Benz China has become a central hub for innovation. The country’s rapid development and high demand for intelligent technology make it an ideal environment for testing and refining cutting-edge automotive technologies.

“Mercedes-Benz China is at the forefront of global innovation, with outstanding talent and partners providing
excellent opportunities for the company’s advanced technology research. Obtaining approval for Level 4
automated driving road testing in Beijing will help Mercedes-Benz to further accelerate automated driving
technology. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has continuously increased its local R&D investment. Through a
series of advanced research projects, the local R&D team is committed to bringing intelligent luxury products
and services to the needs of Chinese customers at ‘China Speed’.”
Oliver Löcher, Senior Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd., Head of Mercedes-Benz China
Research, Development and Procurement

An Automated Future

As Mercedes-Benz continues to push the envelope in automated driving, the successful testing of Level 4 technology in Beijing represents a significant leap towards a future where cars can drive themselves.