Mercedes-Benz is introducing an intelligent further development for partially automated driving in Europe: the automatic lane change (ALC) function is now vailable in the driving assistance plus package option for 33 European countries including the UK.

Fifteen models can now be equipped with ALC directly ex factory and/or via an over the air (OTA) update.

The automaker is also offering ALC for around 200,000 cars already delivered in Europe and it can be installed in stages from September 2024 via an OTA update.

All models in the current E‑Class model series as well as the CLE coupe and cabriolet can be updated in this way.

It is also possible for the C‑Class and S‑Class as well as the GLC, EQE and EQS (both as saloon and SUV) from modification year 23/1 onwards.

Customers will be notified of availability in their region and the update can be initiated via the update assistant on the infotainment system or via an app.

ALC enables the car to automatically initiate a lane change on suitable motorways when active distance assist is activated, in order to overtake slower cars or follow the route to the next exit.

Mercedes‑Benz already introduced this function in North America in 2023. In China there is a version of ALC developed locally.

Market specific versions are adapted to regional traffic conditions and local legal requirements so differ in detail.

“With ALC, Mercedes-Benz is offering a driving function as an OTA update for the first time,” said CTO Markus Schaefer.