Mercedes Readies Next-Gen Safety Systems

This week Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit detailed its new suite of advanced safety technologies. Building on the "Intelligent Drive" systems launched on its premium S-Class model in 2013, the new features will bow next spring on the seventh-generation E-Class sedan and migrate to the S-Class in 2017.

Using an array of advanced sensors, cameras, radar and control algorithms, the next-level technologies include a mix of autonomous-driving, remote control parking, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, collision avoidance and pre-collision safety features.

Mercedes says the capabilities are designed to improve safety, comfort and ease of operation. Functionality can be upgraded as a new technologies are introduced.

The nine new or improved safety technologies include:

• Active Brake Assist, which can detect slow-moving and stationary objects and cross-traffic at intersections, then provides brake assistance or fully applies the brakes and alert drivers as needed to prevent or minimize the severity of an accident.
• Evasive Steering Assist, which adds steering torque during sharp maneuvers to help drivers swerve around objects and then quickly straighten the vehicle.
• Speed-Limit Pilot, works with the car's communications and entertainment system to adjust the vehicle's speed in response to camera-detected speed limits or previously recorded data if road signs aren't visible.
• Distance Pilot, which controls speed to maintain safe following distances to other vehicles based on road types, adjusting to slowing traffic patterns and turns in the road.
• Car-to-X Communication, which shares real-time traffic information with other Mercedes vehicles equipped with the system to alert drivers about upcoming accidents, congestion and road conditions.
• Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which senses a side collision and inflates side bolsters to move occupants sideways away from the door to lessen impact forces.
• Pre-Safe Sound, which triggers a "short interference signal" through the audio system just before an accident to prepare occupants' ears for the loud sounds that typically occur during a collision.
• Remote-Control Parking, which allows users to maneuver vehicles in and out of tight parking spots both parallel and perpendicular with a smartphone while standing 10 ft away.
• Digital Car Key, which turns a smartphone with near-field communication technology into an electronic key that also can control seat and mirror settings.

The new E-Class also will be equipped with a steering wheel-mounted finger pad to control various vehicle functions. The car also will come with standard advanced light-emitting-diode headlights that can be precisely controlled to avoid blinding drivers in oncoming vehicles.