Mercedes-Benz Group has achieved a significant milestone in the autonomous driving sector in China. The company has been granted permission by Beijing to carry out Level 4 autonomous driving tests, making it the inaugural international car manufacturer to receive such a permit in China's capital, according to a report published by South China Morning Post on Aug. 5.
This development comes as Tesla continues its efforts to secure approval for testing its full self-driving technology on Chinese roads. Mercedes-Benz announced that the Level 4 self-driving tests would encompass a range of driving maneuvers, including parking, U-turns, entering and exiting roundabouts, passing through toll booths, and lane changes when necessary. These autonomous vehicles are designed with advanced sensors and system redundancy to ensure safety and are capable of executing a minimal-risk strategy under extreme conditions.
This approval by the Beijing municipal government marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first instance of a foreign carmaker being allowed to test this level of autonomous driving technology in the city since the drafting of supportive regulations in late June. Previously, only Chinese companies such as Baidu, Hongqi and WeRide had received authorization for Level 4 self-driving tests in Beijing. This follows Mercedes-Benz's December 2023 permission for testing Level 3 autonomous vehicles, highlighting a gradual progression in the company's autonomous driving initiatives in China.
