Mercedes-Benz said on the 20th it plans to launch in Korea from next year models equipped with Alphamayo at the "Level 2++" level. Alphamayo is an Autonomous Driving artificial intelligence (AI) model developed in-house by Nvidia. It drew attention after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2026) in January that the company would release Alphamayo this year, and it is currently commercialized in the United States and China.

Jörg Burzer, Mercedes CTO, said at a press briefing held at 11 a.m. at the Andaz Seoul Gangnam hotel, "We expect to offer Alphamayo with 'Level 2++' navigation to Korean customers from next year."

For Mercedes' Level 2++, the key is that as long as the driver keeps eyes on the road, the car will go on its own from the departure point to the destination. It works on both highways and in cities. A Mercedes official said, "We cannot yet confirm whether it will be a 'hands-free' form where the driver takes hands off the steering wheel."

On the morning of the 20th at Andaz Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, Ola Källenius, CEO, answers questions from reporters during a press briefing held as Mercedes-Benz Group presents the world premiere of the All-New C-Class. /Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Korea

Burzer said, "The system (to be provided by Mercedes) is an end-to-end (E2E—connecting the entire process from sensor perception to driving decisions and vehicle control with AI) method that combines Alphamayo with Mercedes' own system," adding, "Once Alphamayo is installed (in Mercedes vehicles), the vehicle will learn faster and operate more efficiently, and even if Alphamayo stops, it can be replaced by other systems, making it safe."

It is presumed to be a form that adds Alphamayo to Mercedes' operating system MB.OS. However, Burzer added the caveat, "Approval by Korean regulators is important."

The briefing was held to mark the world premiere of the C-Class electrified model, "The All New Electric C-Class." This is the first time Mercedes has unveiled a new car for the first time in the world in Korea. Mercedes Chairman Ola Källenius said, "Korea is the No. 5 market globally in size and is important, and it is a place with customers who understand Mercedes' unique style and innovation," adding, "It was the most suitable choice to unveil the C-Class, where those two elements are combined, in Seoul."

On the morning of the 20th at Andaz Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, Jörg Burzer (right), CTO, answers questions from reporters during a press briefing held as Mercedes-Benz Group presents the world premiere of the All-New C-Class. /Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Korea

Mercedes cited lineup expansion as its electrification strategy in Korea. While continuing to roll out electrified vehicles, it will not let go of internal combustion engine models such as hybrid vehicles (HEVs). Källenius said, "As 'The All New GLC' gains popularity, we think the share of electrified models in Korea's total sales will increase," adding, "We will continue to expand electrified models, and you will be able to find all powertrains, not only electric vehicles but also HEVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)."

Meanwhile, Mercedes signed a next-generation battery contract with Samsung SDI. The battery uses a "high-nickel NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese)" material that can achieve high energy density. Burzer said, "A global network is important to secure batteries going into Mercedes' platforms," adding, "It is important to secure many suppliers, and we have partnerships with Korean corporations and plan to expand them further."

Källenius also reiterated cooperation with LG Group. He said, "Cooperation with LG Group is underway in several areas, and we will continue discussions on a long-term partnership." Mercedes has been working with LG Energy Solution and LG Display. In particular, LG Energy Solution was selected in October last year as a supplier of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for Mercedes.

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