Innovations: by Mercedes-Benz.

125 years ago – in filing his patent for the world’s first internal combustion engine and electric ignition equipped vehicle – Karl Benz brought his unique vision to life, and together with Gottlieb Daimler gave birth to one of the most competitive, inspiring industries imaginable. With every employee driven by Daimler’s guiding principle ‘The best or nothing’, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have consistently introduced discerning drivers to some of the most advanced active safety and driver assistance systems in the world. Systems that give Mercedes-Benz vehicles ‘senses’ to react to traffic situations and road conditions, resulting in drivers becoming more alert and minimizing their distractions and stress.

 

Lane Keeping Assist

The new Lane Keeping Assist function uses vibrations in the steering wheel to alert the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts across lane markings. Using a camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen, this system is capable of detecting lane markings by evaluating the difference in contrast between the road surface and the markings – thus allowing it to recognize when the vehicle is drifting out of the lane. If it detects an unintentional drift, an electric motor vibrates the steering wheel to provide a discreet but effective alert to the driver.

 

Blind Spot Assist

When changing lanes, the Blind Spot Assist function of DISTRONIC PLUS issues visual and audible warnings if it senses a possible collision with another motor vehicle. Using the Parking Guidance system’s close-range radar sensors, Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas directly alongside and behind the car, thus covering the zones drivers cannot see using the exterior mirrors – the vehicle ‘blind spot’. If it detects another vehicle (including motorcycles), the system flashes a red warning light in the glass of the exterior mirror to inform the driver. Should the driver fail to notice the warning and initiate the turn signal, the red warning light in the exterior mirror will flash while an audible alarm is issued.

 

Attention Assist

On long trips, drivers are often unaware of their own fatigue. Mercedes-Benz developed ATTENTION ASSIST to automatically alert them to the fact. It observes the driver’s behaviour patterns and creates an individual profile. If there are large deviations from the profile’s stored values, the system calculates whether or not this is a sign of tiredness – using factors such as time of day, length of the journey and the style of driving – and signals an early warning to the driver to take a break.

 

Sandwich Safety Concept

First introduced in 1997, the B-Class’ unique sandwich safety concept elevates the driver seating position, increasing all-round visibility, and in the event of a collision, allows the engine and transmission to slide below the passenger compartment for superior safety.

 

4MATIC™

First introduced in 1986, our award winning 4th generation permanent all-wheel drive system offers optimal traction and handling control under any road conditions by sending power only to the wheels with grip.

 

NECK-PRO

When sensors in the headrest detect a rear impact, NECK-PRO responds within milliseconds. Preloaded springs within the head-restraint push the padded areas into position to protect the neck, substantially reducing the risk of whiplash.

 

AIRCAP

New for the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet, AIRCAP is an aluminum, mesh and plastic air diverter blade that rises from the top of the windshield frame with the press of a button – redirecting airflow around the cockpit for year-round comfortable open-top driving.

 

AIRSCARF

When the season cools off, enjoy pleasantly warm air on the back of your neck with AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Select different temperature settings while the blower adjusts automatically to the vehicle’s speed.

 

125 years ago – in filing his patent for the world’s first internal combustion engine and electric ignition equipped vehicle – Karl Benz brought his unique vision to life, and together with Gottlieb Daimler gave birth to one of the most competitive, inspiring industries imaginable. With every employee driven by Daimler’s guiding principle ‘The best or nothing’, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have consistently introduced discerning drivers to some of the most advanced active safety and driver assistance systems in the world. Systems that give Mercedes-Benz vehicles ‘senses’ to react to traffic situations and road conditions, resulting in drivers becoming more alert and minimizing their distractions and stress.