California certified as next US state to allow Mercedes’ Level 3 autonomous DRIVE PILOT
Califooooorniaaaaaa here we coooommmmeeeee (autonomously). Mercedes-Benz has just announced that its SAE Level 3 autonomous driver assist system, DRIVE PILOT, has been certified to operate in the entire state of California, beginning with a couple of familiar models.
Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT first debuted on the speedy roads in Germany in May of 2022, but we at Electrek have had the chance to experience it (to some level) in the US with adult supervision. The automaker’s “DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist” builds upon the long-established Level 2 autonomy MB has been delivering for years and takes it to another echelon.
The driver assistance feature ensures the EV maintains a preselected distance from the vehicle in front of it while also maintaining other standard operations like lane keeping and active steering.
However, since DISTRONIC still requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel, it remains classified as SAE Level 2. That is not the case for DRIVE PILOT. This Level 3 technology still uses the existing surround sensors of the Mercedes’ Driving Assistance Package in an EQS, for example, but also utilizes additional sensors, including LiDAR and a camera in the rear window.
DRIVE PILOT even uses microphones to detect approaching emergency vehicles along with a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. Throw in redundant steering, braking actuators, and an onboard electrical system, and Mercedes EVs equipped with DRIVE PILOT are loaded with fail-safes in case one system struggles.
That’s why Mercedes-Benz is one of the few automakers to achieve Level 3 autonomous driving certification from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and a reason why the most populous territory in the US is allowing it to operate.
California joins Nevada in Level 3 autonomous driving
The German automaker shared details of its latest US certification this afternoon, relaying that California state authorities have approved the technology to operate under conditional circumstances.
The Golden State now joins Nevada as the second in the US to allow DRIVE PILOT, while Mercedes-Benz simultaneously earns the crown as the first automaker in both states approved for Level 3 autonomous driving on public roads in a standard-production.
Unlike the Level 2 ADAS systems mentioned above, like Tesla’s Autopilot and Ford’s BlueCruise that’s currently expanding in the US, Mercedes’ DRIVE PILOT enables the driver to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road – when engaged, the vehicle is liable for anything that happens. Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG and chief technology officer responsible for development and procurement, elaborated:
Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT is the world’s only SAE Level 3 system with internationally valid type approval. It builds on a very robust foundation, setting new industry standards. DRIVE PILOT uses a highly sophisticated vehicle architecture based on redundancy with a multitude of sensors enabling comfortable and safe conditionally automated driving. The certification by the authorities in California and in Nevada once again confirms that redundancy is the safe and thus the right approach.
While Mercedes-Benz’s final iteration of DRIVE PILOT is striving toward Level 3 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 80 mph, it’s not quite there yet. Like Nevada, California will allow Mercedes EV drivers to engage DRIVE PILOT on certain freeway sections with high traffic density – the driver assistance system can then take over speeds up to 40 mph.
From there, DRIVE PILOT will control the vehicle’s speed, distance, and lane guidance, monitoring any and all traffic signs and other events occurring on the route while reacting to unexpected traffic situations independently through “evasive maneuvers within the lane” or by braking. Remember all that talk about extra safety and fail-safes? Mercedes-Benz explains further:
If the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent prompting and expiration of the takeover time (e.g., due to a severe health problem), the system brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner while engaging the hazard warning lights. Once the vehicle has come to a standstill, the Mercedes‑Benz emergency call system is activated and the doors are unlocked to ensure the vehicle is accessible for first responders.
We’re seeing similar technology being implemented in other upcoming EVs, like Volvo’s EX90, which utilizes LiDAR. According to Mercedes, DRIVE PILOT will come equipped on DRIVE PILOT in 2024 model year EQS sedans in the US, with the first deliveries expected in late 2023. As you may have guessed, MB intends to expand the availability of DRIVE PILOT to additional markets in the future.
What do you think? Do you trust Mercedes-Benz’s Level 3 autonomous driving? Is it a selling point for you to buy one of its EVs?
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![The Genesis GV60 MIV is one hardcore EV that climbs mountains [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Genesis-GV60-MIV-EV-6.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The luxury carmaker channeled its inner superhero with this one. Genesis unveiled the new GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle (MIV) this week in Switzerland, an off-road EV that can climb mountains. The concept is designed for extreme rescue missions. Check it out below.
Meet the Genesis GV60 MIV rescue EV concept
Genesis showed off the new GV60 MIV this week at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Crowds lined up to see it at the AMERON Davos Swiss Mountain Resort, not far from the WEF venue.
Based on its first dedicated EV, the GV60, the concept is designed to tackle extreme terrain and weather on rescue missions.
The purpose-built vehicle gains off-road elements like snow tracks and medical and emergency communication systems for rescue missions on mountains or other extreme terrain. Other upgrades include a custom heavy-duty roof rack and rear hatch rack.
Genesis added large carbon fender flares to warn those nearby and protect the vehicle from damage in extreme weather.
With a fully electric powertrain, the Genesis GV60 MIV has no tailpipe emissions, protecting the environment. It’s also nearly silent, with minimal noise pollution.
Inside, the off-road electric SUV includes custom sports seats, adding to the GV60’s already impressive interior design.
The concept follows the upgraded GV60, revealed earlier this month. Genesis updated it with redesigned front and rear bumpers, more tech, and added luxury.
Like the new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, based on the same E-GMP platform, the upgraded GV60 is expected to feature a bigger battery providing more range. Powered by an 84 kWh battery, the 2025MY now has up to 318 miles range, up from 303 miles in the outgoing model (77.4 kWh battery).
The 2025 Genesis GV60 starts at $52,350 in the US and has a range of up to 294 miles. Once the upgraded model arrives in 2026, the electric SUV could have a range of up to 300 miles.
| 2025 Genesis GV60 trim | Range (EPA-est) |
Starting Price* |
| Standard RWD | 294 miles | $52,350 |
| Standard AWD | 264 miles | $55,850 |
| Advanced AWD | 248 miles | $60,900 |
| Performance AWD | 235 miles | $69,900 |
What do you think of the GV60 MIV? Should Genesis get these onto the mountains? Or should it stick to on-road luxury cars? Let us know in the comments.
Ready to try out the electric luxury SUV for yourself? With the 2025 models arriving, Genesis is offering generous discounts on the 2024 lineup while they are still in stock. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 Genesis GV60 models at a dealer near you today.
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Rivian (RIVN) already has several automakers reaching out about potential supply deals for software and other EV tech. According to Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, its new partnership with Volkswagen has other OEMs “knocking on our door.”
Will Rivian and VW supply EV tech to other automakers?
After launching “Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC,” their new software and EV joint venture in November, the collaboration is already showing potential.
Bensaid, who co-leads the new joint venture with VW’s Casten Helbing, said in an interview on Thursday (via Reuters) that the collaboration is in talks with at least a few other automakers over potential supply deals for software and EV architecture.
“I’d say that many other OEMs are knocking on our door,” he said. Although no names or other details were revealed, Bensaid added that “there is demand.”
The software leader explained that Rivian is prioritizing its smaller, more affordable R2 until 2027 while integrating the new tech into upcoming VW, Audi, Porsche, and Scout brand EVs.
Bensaid added that the new JV “today becomes one of the key partners” for other automakers who want to “make a leap from a technological standpoint.”
Last week, German news outlet Spiegel reported that VW could expand the partnership with Rivian. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said, “We are thinking about sharing modules and bundling purchasing volumes.”
VW is already planning to invest $5.8 billion, which, according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, is a “meaningful financial opportunity.”
Rivian is already using the platform and software stack on its Gen 2 R1S electric SUV and R1T pickup, a drastic upgrade from the previous version. The architecture uses seven electronic control units (ECUs), down from 17 in the Gen 1 models.
The new models also include Rivian’s new in-house autonomy system, the Rivian Autonomy Platform, which consists of 11 cameras, five radars, and other features for added driver assist (ADAS) features.
At the opening of the new Rivian Space in San Francisco on Thursday, Scaringe said the company plans to roll out hands-free driving this year. It’s expected to be similar to Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will launch an “eyes-free” system as it advances new tech and software.
Electrek’s Take
The JV with Volkswagen could be significant for Rivian as it looks to accelerate growth in 2025. After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April for upgrades, Scaringe said the company is already seeing “a meaningful reduction” in material costs.
Rivian’s R2, starting at around $45,000, is expected to open an entire new market. Analysts expect the VW partnership to provide enough funding for the R2 to enter production, which is expected in the first half of 2026.
Last week, Rivian closed its loan agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) for up to $6.6 billion in financing for its new manufacturing plant in Georgia. The EV maker has already started hiring construction and management workers, with recruitment “expected to ramp quickly.”
Will Rivian’s EV architecture and software “become the platform of choice in the Western world” aside from Tesla? That’s what Canaccord Genuity analysts said in a note to investors.
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