Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Chinese autonomous driving startup Momenta to co-develop a smart driving assistance system for the Chinese market.
The technology is set to debut on the domestically produced all-electric CLA model later this year and will extend to future Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the region.
The system leverages Momenta’s Flywheel large language AI model to provide driving assistance across highways, urban streets, and parking scenarios. Unlike traditional solutions, the system is designed to operate without relying on high-definition maps, offering scalable and adaptive functionality for different road environments.
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Suzhou, Momenta has established partnerships with international automakers including BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Bosch.
The startup’s technology now underpins advanced driver assistance features for all three German luxury automakers, including BMW’s new domestic models and Audi’s E5 Sportback, launched in collaboration with SAIC Motor earlier this year.
Drummond Jacoy, senior executive vice president at Mercedes-Benz China, emphasized the collaboration’s goal, saying the system will deliver “a safe and user-friendly, more intelligent driving experience” for customers in China. The partnership underscores Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing strategy to integrate AI-driven mobility solutions and strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving Chinese EV market.