Hands off! An on-the-road demo of Mercedes’ advanced new driver assist

Ars Technica•January 5, 2026•general

Key Points:

Mercedes-Benz introduced adaptive cruise control in 1999 with the S-Class, marking the first partially automated car capable of reacting to the speed of vehicles ahead using radar technology.
The latest Drive Assist Pro system, currently available in the entry-level CLA EV, enhances driver collaboration by allowing light braking without canceling adaptive cruise control and can navigate complex urban environments, including stop signs, traffic lights, speed bumps, and construction zones.
The CLA's advanced features are enabled by its software-defined vehicle architecture, powered by Nvidia’s Orin computer and an end-to-end AI model that improves perception, path planning, and parking navigation beyond traditional rule-based systems.
Drive Assist Pro is considered a "level 2++" system, requiring