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Mercedes-Benz Could Launch Self-Driving S-Class by 2017

Mercedes may have launched the 2014 S-Class, but it appears that the flagship sedan’s full technology potential hasn’t been put to use yet. The German carmaker will reportedly offer an autonomous driving vehicle sooner than 2021, when the next generation of the S-Class will be launched.
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1 photo
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Thomas Weber, head of Mercedes R&D has told Auto Express that the company could launch such a development at the moment, but it doesn’t do so because “here are rules in place that we have to accept."

Since the S-Class is the most advanced vehicle in Mercedes’ range, it would make sense for it to adopt the self-driving technology for its mid-cycle revamp, which should arrive in 2017.

The 2014 S-Class already offers an intermediary step, as it features an adaptive cruise control system that not only operates the throttle and the brakes, but can also handle the steering in order to follow the vehicle in front.

The system does require the driver to maintain contact with the wheel, but Mercedes currently runs prototypes that can operate the steering without the driver touching the wheel. However, Mercedes is still testing a feature that would allow a vehicle to overtake another car on its own.

Via: Auto Express
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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