Mercedes-Benz has taken a stake in Qianli Technology, setting the stage for self‑driving luxury cars within 2‑3 years. Discover the details now!
German luxury automaker Mercedes‑Benz has officially entered the fast‑growing world of autonomous driving by acquiring a 3% stake in China’s Qianli Technology, a subsidiary of the Geely Group. The move, valued at roughly 191 million USD, signals that the brand’s next generation of vehicles could be equipped with high‑level driver‑assistance systems as early as the next two to three years.
Strategic Investment in Qianli Technology
Through its digital arm, Mercedes‑Benz Digital Technology, the automaker purchased over 135 million shares from Lifan Holdings, becoming the fifth‑largest shareholder in Qianli. The investment amount – 1.34 billion RMB – underscores Mercedes‑Benz’s commitment to securing a foothold in the autonomous‑driving ecosystem.
Geely’s Pivotal Role
The partnership is backed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely’s parent company and a key shareholder of Qianli. Geely’s support provides Mercedes‑Benz with a valuable bridge into China’s rapidly evolving automotive AI landscape, allowing both companies to share development costs and core technologies.
Roadmap for Future Models
Both brands envision rolling out the joint autonomous‑driving solution across their entire model line‑ups in the future. The ultimate goal is to transform Qianli into an open platform that not only serves Geely and Mercedes‑Benz models but also offers its technology to third‑party manufacturers.
What Sets Qianli’s Technology Apart?
- Hybrid Logic Engine: Combines rule‑based programming with real‑time situational optimization to handle complex traffic scenarios.
- Consistent & Safe Behavior: Guarantees predictable vehicle actions even in dense urban environments or rare edge cases.
- Scalable Architecture: Designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of vehicle platforms, from compact cars to luxury sedans.
Implications for Luxury Car Buyers
For Mercedes‑Benz customers, the partnership promises a new generation of high‑end vehicles equipped with Level‑3 (and potentially Level‑4) autonomous capabilities. Drivers can expect smoother traffic navigation, reduced fatigue on long journeys, and an overall safer driving experience without compromising the brand’s hallmark performance and refinement.
As the automotive industry accelerates toward fully autonomous transportation, Mercedes‑Benz’s strategic stake in Qianli positions it as a front‑runner in delivering sophisticated, AI‑driven mobility solutions to discerning consumers worldwide.