Mercedes-Benz is now rolling out an intelligent advancement for partially automated driving in Europe with the introduction of the Automatic Lane Change (ALC) function. This feature is now part of the Driving Assistance Plus Package available in 33 European countries.
The ALC function can be equipped on 15 Mercedes-Benz models, including the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, CLE, EQE, EQS, EQS SUV, and EQE SUV. These models can be fitted with ALC either directly from the factory or via an over-the-air update.
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In addition to new configurations, Mercedes-Benz is offering the ALC function to approximately 200,000 existing cars in Europe. Starting from September 2024, this new assistance feature can be installed through an over-the-air update using the car’s mobile phone connection.
Eligible models include the current E-Class series (214) and the CLE Coupé and Cabriolet. Other models like the C-Class, S-Class, GLC, EQE, and EQS (both Saloon and SUV) from modification year 23/1 onwards can also receive the update. Customers will be notified of the update’s availability in their region and can initiate it via the MBUX infotainment system or the Mercedes me App.
The ALC function adds to the more than 40 driving assistance systems already available from Mercedes-Benz. It enables the vehicle to automatically change lanes on suitable motorways when Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is activated.
This allows the car to overtake slower vehicles or follow the route to the next exit. Mercedes-Benz first introduced this function in North America in 2023 and also has a version tailored for the Chinese market, adapting to local traffic conditions and legal requirements.
“With the Automatic Lane Change function, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating its innovative strength in the development of new driving assistance systems. We simultaneously developed the Automatic Lane Change function, or ALC for short, in North America, Europe, and China for our local customers. With ALC, Mercedes-Benz is offering a driving function as an over-the-air update for the first time,” said Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The ALC function operates without driver input to initiate lane changes. The driver sets the desired speed using Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, and Active Steering Assist takes over to manage lane changes on the motorway.
As a Level 2 system, the driver remains responsible for controlling the car at all times. The system uses radar sensors and cameras to monitor the car’s surroundings, enabling it to overtake slower vehicles and navigate motorway junctions or exits when route guidance is active.
In Europe, ALC is active at speeds between 80 to 140 km/h. The system requires the navigation system to recognize that the vehicle is on a suitable motorway with at least two lanes, and lane markings must be detected by the car’s cameras. The driver must ensure there is sufficient free space for the lane change.
Footnotes:
[1] MBUX Navigation is a prerequisite. Mercedes-Benz driving assistance and safety systems are aids and do not relieve the driver of responsibility. The driver must observe the information in the Owner’s Manual and the system limitations described therein.
[2] The 33 European countries where ALC is available: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
[3] The availability of ALC and the availability and scope of the software update depend on the respective market, the technical conditions of the vehicle model, and the individual configurations and settings in the vehicle and in the Mercedes me App.
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