The Mercedes S580 is so smart, it knows which lane you're going to next
- Mercedes-Benz has a super smart lane-changing feature
- Automatic Lane Change ‘knows’ when you should change lanes
- It then switches lanes for you
Published on May 05, 2025 at 9:56 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on May 02, 2025 at 12:13 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Mercedes-Benz introduced a super smart Automatic Lane Change (ALC) function on several models, including the Mercedes S580.
ALC basically allows your car to decide when it’s time to change lanes, and then it does so automatically.
The feature works alongside radar sensors and cameras to monitor the car’s surroundings, meaning it ‘knows’ when it’s safe to change lanes.
Clever right?
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ALC is available on numerous models, including the Mercedes S580
Assisted driving features are becoming more common across the automotive industry, from autopilot and automatic lane changing to Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD).
In 2023, Mercedes-Benz introduced its Automatic Lane Change to numerous models across its C-Class, E-Class, S-Class series, as well as others, including the GLC, EQE, and EQS.
The feature was initially only available in North America and China before launching it in Europe via an over-the-air update last summer.
“With the Automatic Lane Change function, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating its innovative strength in the development of new driving assistance systems,” said Mercedes-Benz member of the board of management Markus Schäfer.
“We simultaneously developed the Automatic Lane Change function, or ALC for short, in North America, Europe and China for our local customers.
“With ALC, Mercedes-Benz is offering a driving function as an over-the-air update for the first time.”
How does Automatic Lane Change work?
The smart technology works alongside Mercedes’ other assisted driving features to take some of the load of driving your car.
ALC uses radar sensors and cameras that continuously monitor the road.
When it’s safe to do so, it will change lanes to overtake a slower car and then change back into the original lane.
In Europe, the tech will only work when the car is traveling at speeds 80km/h (50mph) and 140km/h (87mph), and, of course, the road or highway must have at least two separate lanes for it to work.
Although the feature is automatic, the driver must remain in control of the vehicle at all times and is free to override it.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
