Mercedes-Benz is accelerating work on an automated driving ecosystem, positioning the new S-Class as the foundation for future robotaxi services. The vehicle includes redundant systems for steering, braking, computing, and power supply to support fail-safe operation, along with the company’s MB.OS operating system.

Mercedes-Benz said it is advancing SAE Level 4 development through multiple global projects with industry partners, with plans for deployment across markets in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Partnerships Support Level 4 Deployment

Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with NVIDIA and Uber to develop a robotaxi platform based on the S-Class. NVIDIA will contribute its DRIVE Hyperion architecture and DRIVE AV Level 4 software, along with simulation tools, datasets, and AI models intended to support safety-focused autonomy. Mercedes-Benz also plans to integrate NVIDIA’s expertise into its next generation of advanced driver assistance systems.

“Partnerships mark the beginning of our entry into the robotaxi market with the S-Class and MB.OS as the platform,” said Jörg Burzer, a member of the Mercedes-Benz Group board.

Additional Robotaxi Projects Planned

The automaker also announced a separate Level 4 initiative with Momenta to develop another robotaxi program using the new S-Class. Mobility provider Lumo, a subsidiary of technology company K2, plans to operate the vehicles initially in Abu Dhabi, with additional locations possible.

Mercedes-Benz said the first S-Class robotaxi test vehicles are expected to begin operating on public roads in Abu Dhabi later this year.