LOS ANGELES—Mercedes-Benz has never shied away from new technology. Historically, the carmaker has been an early adopter and developer of systems such as antilock brakes, stability control, airbags, and adaptive cruise control. With its EQ line of all-electric vehicles well underway, Mercedes-Benz is now making a push toward automated driving.

Offered on the electric EQS fastback and gas-powered S-Class sedan, Drive Pilot will initially launch in California and Nevada later this fall, the first two states that have appr

Drive Pilot is the first publicly-available system to achieve Level 3 on the 5-level “autonomous vehicle” scale, allowing drivers to completely disengage from driving

When specific driving criteria are met, Drive Pilot allows the driver to look away for long periods and keep their hands off the wheel. Drive Pilot will be offered as a subscription service for $2500 per year in Nevada and California.