The system is the next step towards full autonomy, but while current Level 2 systems can be used across most roads, and even within cities, Drive Pilot is limited to a very select grouping of highways with no stoplights, roundabouts, or other traffic control measures. These roads must be mapped beforehand by Mercedes, which has already performed the necessary mapping in Nevada and California.

Other situations that will preclude the use of the system include inclement weather, and with 10 seconds for the driver to reassume control, it should go without saying that you can't doze off or occupy any seat other than the driver's position.

Once Mercedes receives approval, we can expect this tech to roll out in cars like the S-Class and Mercedes EQS, and perhaps soon, we might even get SAE Level 4 autonomy in the form of Mercedes Intelligent Park Pilot, an almost completely driver-free parking valet developed with Bosch. Mercedes is currently evaluating the US market to see whether this possibility can become a reality.