Safer and smarter Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasts new tech

MANILA: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has acquired heightened "intelligence" in numerous areas,  and its driving experience has been elevated as well.

This is through the emergence of new digital innovations that make driving the vehicle simultaneously safer and more thrilling.

Some of these new technology and safety features are rear-axle steering with a larger steering angle, as well as safety advancements like new airbags and driving assistance systems.

Through the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the world’s first frontal airbag for two front seats and the new rear airbag for rear passengers have also been introduced.

The rear airbag is composed of cylindrical, tubular structures that are usually inflated when gas is compressed and is organized in a wing-shaped structure.

As for the center airbag (a country-dependent feature), it is positioned between the front passenger and driver seat. During a serious side impact, it lessens the danger of their heads having contact with each other. The center airbag is also incorporated into the seatback of the driver in the center of the vehicle.

Moreover, as one of the new functions of the Pre-Safe impulse side feature, the vehicle body can now be raised instantaneously before a side impact due to the E-active body control suspension.

Through five multi-core processors, the utilization of the stereo camera, and over 20 sensors, the optional E-active body control suspension reacts accurately to various driving situations or modes. It also contributes semi-supporting hydropneumatics to the air suspension.

The E-active body control is responsible for the regulation of the damping and the spring forces separately at each wheel. It also handles the countering of body lift, pitch, and roll in the vehicle. This feature also allows a new Pre-Safe button when there is an impending lateral collision.

In the Comfort driving mode, the road surface scan utilizes the stereo multi-purpose camera (SMPC) for tracking the road surface ahead of the car. The spring struts undergo actuation to significantly lessen body movements, especially when traversing road bumps.

As for the Curve driving mode, the vehicle leans into bends actively. The comfortable suspension setup and leaning function significantly take advantage of ride comfort. Furthermore, passengers who easily experience nausea while traveling will still feel well through this driving mode.

Moreover, a completely active suspension is also present. The control units of the system assess the driving situation 1,000 times per second and adjust the suspension appropriately.

The newest generation of the driving assistance package has other new and enhanced features that help aid in autonomous driving. These include the active steering assist and active blind spot assist.

Due to enhanced environmental sensors and the incorporation into the MBUX infotainment system, the parking assist systems provide the driver with better assistance during maneuvers at low speeds.

The 360° camera with a new three-dimensional (3D) view and the active parking assist aid the driver more conveniently than before when unparking and parking, or when attempting to squeeze in tight spaces. Parking assist systems also involve visual obstructions such as folded mirrors and open doors.

Other key innovations in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class include  automatic braking for pedestrians and extended side view (garage walls and curbs).

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

Also read: The Mercedes-Benz UX in the S-Class is a multisensory experience