For well over half a century, Mercedes-Benz engineers have been
devoted to preparing for a moment they hope never occurs. From the
invention of the crumple zone to countless innovations in occupant
protection and accident avoidance, the safety firsts of Mercedes-Benz
often set a standard that all automobiles eventually follow.
Today,
a Mercedes-Benz offers exclusive new breakthroughs to help make an
accident less severe, less damaging, or even less likely. True to their
heritage, they're engineered to protect you in ways you might never have
imagined. And with the hope that you'll never have to.
The exclusive PRE-SAFE system can sense that a collision might be
imminent, and help prepare for it in the precious moments leading up to
it. Using a network of sensors (many of them already serving other
safety systems in the vehicle) PRE-SAFE can detect certain conditions
that suggest an accident is about to occur, such as extreme skidding. It
then tightens the front seat belts, adjusts the front head restraints
and passenger seat, and can even close the windows and sunroof, all to
better prepare the occupants for more effective results from the
restraint systems.
Even a moment of driver distraction can have life-changing results. With
DISTRONIC PLUS, advanced radar sensors vigilantly scan traffic ahead
for stopped or slowing traffic. If the system senses that a collision is
imminent, its PRE-SAFE Brake feature automatically initiates up to 40%
braking power, audibly alerts the driver, and engages the PRE-SAFE
system. When the driver brakes, 100% braking pressure is instantly
applied. And should the driver fail to respond, the system can apply
full braking on its own, serving as an "electronic crumple zone" to help
reduce the intensity of a collision.
Even in the most exciting vehicle, a long journey can bring about driver
fatigue. An industry first, ATTENTION ASSIST takes note of over 70
parameters in the first minutes of a drive to get to know your unique
driving style. As your journey continues, it can detect certain steering
corrections that suggest the onset of drowsiness. It then considers a
wide array of other factors, from crosswinds and road smoothness to how
often you're interacting with the vehicle's controls and switches. If it
all adds up to driver fatigue, ATTENTION ASSIST sounds an alert
encouraging you to stop for a rest.
Danger can come from any direction. Blind Spot Assist goes a step beyond
your side mirrors. When radar sensors in the rear bumper detect that a
vehicle is alongside yours, a red icon lights up in the side mirror to
let you know. If you signal for a lane change, an alert sounds. With
Lane Keeping Assist, a special camera watches the markings on the
pavement as you drive. If it senses that you're drifting out of your
lane, it vibrates the steering wheel. And with either system, advanced
active technology can apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle, to
help guide you back into your own lane.
Rather than waiting for new laws or other automakers, Mercedes-Benz
engineers are devoted to inventing, investigating and continually
improving the systems that often become the standard of the industry. It
comes from a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates every aspect
of driving: not just safety but also performance, comfort, human
behavior and the laws of nature. More importantly, it comes from sharing
good ideas with the rest of the world, so that every driver on the road
can benefit. Making history, after all, is really about changing your
future.