Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia expand partnership for automated driving systems

Mercedes-Benz and NVIDIA are deepening their relationship. On October 16, 2026, NVIDIA announced an expanded strategic partnership with Mercedes-Benz AG to develop next-generation driver assistance and automated driving systems. What the expanded deal covers The expansion builds on work the two companies have already shipped. Two vehicles anchor that work: the all-new CLA and the new S-Class. The CLA began rolling out in 2026 with NVIDIA DRIVE AV software. In the US, it offers what the companies describe as Level 2++ driver assistance, including advanced point-to-point assistance. The S-Class aims much higher. It carries what the companies call an L4-ready architecture, built on NVIDIA Hyperion and full-stack DRIVE AV L4 software. Level 4 is the tier where a vehicle can handle driving on its own within defined conditions. The key word in the S-Class description is “ready.” The hardware and software foundation is in place, positioning the car for potential robotaxi services rather than promising them today. That robotaxi angle has a named partner. The research describes potential robotaxi applications specifically in collaboration with Uber. The software stack under the hood NVIDIA’...