Mercedes-Benz and Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta will launch an SAE-Level 4 robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi in 2026. As part of their deepening partnership, the two companies aim to redefine premium urban mobility.
Specifically, the service will use the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan as its robotaxi base. Additionally, it will run through Lumo—a UAE mobility platform owned by tech firm K2. Notably, Lumo has already received federal approval to operate autonomous vehicles in the UAE. Therefore, Abu Dhabi will serve as the first launch city.
Following the Abu Dhabi debut, the partners plan to expand the SAE-Level 4 robotaxi service to other global markets. This phased rollout allows them to refine safety, user experience, and fleet operations before wider deployment.
Importantly, this project supports Mercedes-Benz’s broader Level 4 strategy. On one hand, some initiatives target private customers. On the other hand, others focus on commercial applications like ride-hailing. In both cases, real-world data improves system reliability and accelerates development.
Joerg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated: “With a robotaxi S-Class, we raise the bar for automated mobility.” He emphasized that safety and comfort remain central to their vision. Consequently, the S-Class—already known for luxury and tech—becomes the perfect platform for SAE-Level 4 robotaxi service.
To further accelerate progress, Mercedes-Benz is strengthening ties with industry leaders. For example, it’s exploring a SAE-Level 4 robotaxi ecosystem powered by Nvidia’s Drive AV platform. At the same time, the company uses its proprietary MB.OS to integrate software, sensors, and cloud services seamlessly. Thanks to this architecture, updates and improvements can roll out faster.
Meanwhile, regulatory milestones continue to mount. Earlier, Mercedes-Benz became the first international automaker approved for SAE-Level 4 testing on urban roads in Beijing. During these trials, S-Class test vehicles gather data using LiDAR, radar, and cameras. As a result, engineers can study how perception systems handle complex traffic scenarios.
Of course, full automation builds on years of incremental innovation. For years, Mercedes-Benz has offered SAE-Level 2 driver assistance systems. Now, with MB.DRIVE and MB.OS, models in select markets feature MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO. This system enables near-seamless point-to-point navigation with minimal driver input.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz made history in December 2021. At that time, it became the first automaker worldwide to receive internationally valid approval for conditionally automated driving. Its DRIVE PILOT system remains the fastest SAE-Level 3 solution on the market. Looking ahead, the company plans to support speeds up to 130 km/h within five years—paving the way for broader SAE-Level 4 robotaxi adoption.
In summary, Mercedes-Benz isn’t just adopting autonomous tech—it’s shaping its future. By combining luxury, safety, cutting-edge software, and strategic partnerships, the brand leads the transition to intelligent transportation.