UPDATE: Mercedes-Benz has just announced its new driver assistance system, MB.Drive Assist Pro, at CES 2026, setting the stage for a fierce competition with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities. This advanced feature will debut in the all-new CLA EV starting this spring, marking a pivotal moment in automotive technology.
The MB.Drive Assist Pro is a significant upgrade from the existing MB.Drive Assist, which has already logged an impressive 15 million miles (24 billion kilometers) globally. The system promises enhanced capabilities for city driving, moving beyond the highway limitations of similar technologies from General Motors, Ford, and Rivian.
During a media day event in San Francisco earlier this month, journalists were given a firsthand look at the CLA equipped with Assist Pro. The vehicle demonstrated its “point-to-point” driving capabilities, seamlessly navigating both urban streets and highways. As the vehicle maneuvered through the bustling climate of San Francisco, it showed impressive adaptability, including avoiding double-parked cars and yielding to pedestrians.
Christoph von Hugo, head of active safety at Mercedes, emphasized the system’s innovative “Level 2++” designation, suggesting that drivers maintain greater control and awareness compared to other Level 2 systems. “It’s the best of two worlds,” von Hugo stated, highlighting the ability for drivers to provide input, such as lane changes or alternate routes.
The 20-minute test drive showcased the CLA’s responsiveness to real-time conditions. While it followed a pre-mapped route, the system demonstrated effective decision-making skills in unpredictable situations, such as navigating through a busy intersection at North Beach and Chinatown. However, it also mirrored some of the quirks seen in Tesla’s FSD, such as overly cautious behavior at four-way stops, which, while safe, can feel unnatural.
Mercedes collaborated with Nvidia for the software powering this innovative feature, utilizing Nvidia’s Orin supercomputer. Ali Kani, head of automotive products at Nvidia, referred to the CLA as an “AI-defined vehicle,” trained on a wealth of data to ensure safety and reliability. “In self-driving, you cannot make a mistake,” Kani asserted, underscoring the urgency of perfecting this technology.
As the automotive industry rapidly evolves, the introduction of MB.Drive Assist Pro positions Mercedes-Benz as a formidable contender in the race for advanced driver assistance systems. The emphasis on both safety and user control is likely to resonate with consumers looking for smarter, more intuitive driving solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates as Gizmodo covers the groundbreaking innovations from CES 2026 throughout the week. The competition for the future of driving is heating up, and this announcement is just the beginning.
