As we usher in a new era of driving technology, Mercedes-Benz is making a bold move with its MB.Drive Assist Pro, introduced at CES 2026. This innovative driver assistance system is set to debut in the all-new CLA EV this spring, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from our vehicles. With millions of miles already driven using its predecessor, the original MB.Drive Assist, this new upgrade promises to take urban driving to new heights.
Before CES kicked off, Mercedes took a CLA equipped with the Assist Pro software to San Francisco for a media day, showcasing its ability to navigate city streets—much like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature. Unlike many systems from competitors like General Motors and Rivian that primarily focus on highway driving, Assist Pro aims to tackle the unique challenges of urban environments.
What Makes MB.Drive Assist Pro Stand Out?
During the media demonstration, Mercedes emphasized the system’s “point-to-point” driving capabilities, demonstrating how it could gracefully handle both highways and intricate city streets. While classified as a Level 2 driver-assist system, Mercedes refers to it as a “Level 2++” or “Level 2 optimized” system. This designation points to the level of driver involvement and attentiveness required when utilizing Assist Pro.
Christoph von Hugo, who heads active safety at Mercedes, shared, “It’s the best of two worlds.” He highlighted that drivers can actually communicate their preferences to Assist Pro, whether it’s suggesting a lane change, taking a different turn, or adjusting the vehicle’s distance from parked cars.
How Does It Perform in Real Life?
During my ride in San Francisco, I had the chance to experience Assist Pro from the passenger seat. The CLA adeptly navigated through the bustling streets of North Beach, making real-time decisions rather than simply following a pre-mapped route. One moment that stood out was when the vehicle encountered double-parked cars. It smoothly maneuvered around the obstacles, showcasing impressive situational awareness. When a delivery driver stepped into the street, the CLA paused respectfully, highlighting its focus on safety.
However, the system did showcase some of the quirks seen in automated driving. We experienced some awkwardly cautious moments at four-way stops, reminiscent of other systems like Tesla’s FSD or Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. While these moments might feel unnatural to human drivers, they are grounded in the principle of safety first.
What Technology Powers Assist Pro?
Mercedes partnered with Nvidia for the software powering the new CLA, including its automated driving features. At the media event, Ali Kani, head of automotive products at Nvidia, detailed how the system utilizes an impressive array of hardware: 10 cameras and five radar sensors working in tandem with Nvidia’s Orin supercomputer. This robust setup allows for advanced AI-driven features.
Kani emphasized the training methods behind the driving system, highlighting the use of synthetically generated data to simulate varied driving scenarios. “In self-driving, you cannot make a mistake,” he noted, underscoring the rigorous training required to ensure safety.
Is Mercedes-Benz Competing Directly with Tesla?
Absolutely! With MB.Drive Assist Pro, Mercedes aims to close the gap with Tesla’s FSD. Their advanced driver assistance offers urban capabilities, showcasing features that challenge Tesla’s leadership in the sector.
What Are Level 2 and Level 2++ Driving Systems?
Level 2 systems, like those offered by most automakers—including Mercedes—require driver supervision, operating under the assumption that the human is always in control. Level 2++ suggests enhanced functionalities that allow for more nuanced automation while continuing to prioritize driver awareness.
How Reliable Are Level 2 Driver Assistance Systems?
These systems have come a long way, achieving impressive performance, but challenges remain. While they can navigate a variety of scenarios, drivers must remain vigilant, as they are still required to intervene if necessary.
As we venture into the future, Mercedes-Benz is clearly not standing still. Their efforts to enhance urban driving with the CLA and MB.Drive Assist Pro demonstrate a significant leap in making our roads safer and smarter. It’s a thrilling time for technology, and who knows what’s coming next? What are your thoughts on the advancements in driver assistance systems? Feel free to leave a comment below!