Fully automatic overtaking: Mercedes brings the function via OtA update
Last year, Mercedes-Benz introduced automatic overtaking in the USA and China. Now the function is being adapted for Europe – via an OtA update.
Mercedes brings fully automatic overtaking function via OtA update
(Image: Mercedes-Benz)
- Clemens Gleich
Mercedes is gradually bringing "Automatic Lane Change" (ALC) to Europe for new vehicles in the "Plus" driving assistance package. From September 2024, the manufacturer also plans to gradually roll it out to European vehicles in customer hands via an over-the-air software update – Over the Air (OtA) means that the cars do not have to go to the workshop for this. When cruise control is activated, the assistance system overtakes without human intervention in the 80 to 140 km/h range on the highway.
Mercedes' Level 2 driving aids are particularly popular for long-distance journeys, where they can significantly reduce the burden on human attention. In addition to the adaptive cruise control system, Mercedes has already launched an automatic overtaking assistant in the USA and China in 2023.
200,000 vehicles update-capable
The software is available in Germany for all models of the current E-Class (214 model series), as well as the CLE Coupé and Cabriolet. For the C-Class and S-Class as well as the GLC, EQE and EQS (each as a saloon and SUV), the update is possible from model year 2023. The update option is available for a total of around 200,000 vehicles. The update cannot be missed; a notification will appear on the MBUX console or in the "Mercedes me" app.
(Image: Mercedes-Benz)
If there is a slower vehicle ahead, the system checks the left lane for vehicles, changes lanes if the road is clear and then merges back into the lane in front of the overtaken vehicle, all without voice commands or other human intervention. When route guidance is activated, the vehicle also automatically selects the correct lane for the next exit or for changing to another highway at an intersection or triangle.
"With Automatic Lane Change, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating its innovative strength in the development of new driver assistance systems", says Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes and member of the Board of Management. "We developed ALC simultaneously in North America, Europe and China for our customers there. With ALC, Mercedes-Benz is offering a driving function as an over-the-air update for the first time." ALC joins over 40 other driving assistance systems at Mercedes.
(cgl)