The 2018
Mercedes-Benz S-Class ushers in refreshed looks, new powertrains, and
a repackaged interior, but the changes go further than skin deep. Specifically,
Mercedes is ratcheting up the active safety features with the S-Class'
mid-cycle refresh.
The nervous system of the entire driver assistance system is
Mercedes-Benz "Intelligent Drive," which gets better cameras and
radar units that see farther down the road this time around. It notably adds Active
Distance Assist Distronic. Distronic is the name for the brand's adaptive
cruise control, and this version now uses more map and navigation data to help
control inputs for the driver, which allows the system to adjust vehicle speed
on a route-specific basis.
Better yet, it can slow
the S-Class appropriately for bends, junctions, roundabouts, and even toll
booths. Active Distance Assist Distronic will also decelerate the S-Class when
approaching the route's desired exit as long as the car is in the furthest
right lane. Neato. The system has been calibrated to play with the
transmission's various driving modes as well: Eco, Comfort,
Sport, and Individual. Cornering speeds and following
distances are adjusted accordingly, too, with even greater speed ranges than
the previous S-Class.
Active Lane Change Assist checks the desired lane to make
sure it is clear of obstructions in front of, behind, and alongside the
S-Class. The driver simply nudges the turn signal stalk and the system will
give the driver the OK on the instrument cluster and head-up display within
seconds, then initiate the lane change.
Would you expect it to stop there for one of the most
luxurious sedans on the planet? Of course you wouldn't.
Active Speed Limit Assist recognizes local speeds in
conjunction with the navigation system and by reading traffic signs, and can
adjust speeds accordingly.
Mercedes says Active Steering Assist, which autonomously
steers the car to keep it in its lane, has been improved to keep a safe
distance and make the steering safer.
Active Emergency Stop Assist intervenes if the system
detects the driver has not been operating the car. Active braking will stop the
car in its lane, put on the hazard lights, and unlock the doors (possibly to
allow emergency responders to render aid), should it detect the driver is no
longer actively driving the car with Active Steering Assist engaged.
Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function is a typical
forward emergency braking system that also detects crossing traffic and
pedestrians, warns the driver audibly and with lights, and applies the brakes
to avoid or mitigate the severity of a crash.
If that's not enough Evasive Steering Assist can help. This
system won't activate on its own, but it will apply additional steering torque
should the driver try to avoid hitting a detected pedestrian.
Finally, Car-to-X communications can warn the driver of
what's ahead through Live Traffic and the COMAND system. Other cars with
Car-to-X capability report this information and share it with others with the
same capability.
Each one of these systems is a small piece to the final
puzzle: autonomous
vehicles. Mercedes-Benz continues to seek out and develop technologies to
ultimately create its goal of accident-free driving. In the meantime, the 2018
S-Class will serve as a lovely personal assistant.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110235_mercedes-benz-details-suite-of-active-safety-features-coming-to-2018-s-class
by Sean Szymkowski
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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