"Intelligent" partner thanks to unique combination of assistance and protection systems
For more than 50 years, the E-Class Saloons and their predecessors have been the acknowledged trendsetters in the field of automotive safety. The new top-of-the-line E 63 AMG model continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection systems whose concept and development are based on what actually happens during accidents.
The systems turn the E-Class into an "intelligent" partner that is able to see, feel, respond reflexively in dangerous situations and act autonomously to prevent accidents or mitigate their effects. With this concept the new E 63 AMG not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes greatly to the safety of other road users.
The new E-Class is the first car in the world to be equipped with headlamps which adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to provide the best possible road illumination in a given situation and avoid dazzling other road users. The optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles in front and to control the headlamps so their beams do not reach the other vehicle. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from the current 65 to as much as 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam. Mercedes-Benz offers this new system in a Light package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights.
The Lane Tracking package for the E 63 AMG includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which seeks to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally. When the system recognises that the car is drifting from its lane, the driver is prompted to take countersteering action by three brief but unmistakable vibrations of the steering wheel. The images from the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optionally available Speed Limit Assist, which recognises speed limit signs as the car passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer. Night View Assist Plus is now also available as an optional extra for the E 63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz has improved this system with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as Night View Assist Plus recognises pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display to provide a greatly enhanced warning effect.
Detection of drowsiness based on 70 parameters as standard
Thanks to an innovative technology, the new E 63 AMG is very sensitive to its driver's attention level, and warns him or her of drowsiness in good time. This new ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, which is standard equipment, is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver's steering behaviour has proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of practical research by Mercedes engineers have shown that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors which they often correct very rapidly in characteristic ways. These corrections are recognised by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor.
Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent
The well-proven, radar-based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also optionally available to E-Class customers. An enhanced long-range radar sensor now has a range of 200 metres (previously 150 metres), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to be included in the system.
The radar-supported systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the BAS PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given an audible and visual warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is pressed, the system immediately provides the calculated level of braking assistance.
If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can reduce the severity of an impact considerably as the system can be regarded as a kind of "electronic crumple zone".
Seven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard
During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150 high-speed crash tests. The crumple zone principle invented by Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously honed by the engineers in Sindelfingen. The front-end deformation zone of the E-Class acts on four independent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of extra-high-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand high impact forces. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are made from these high-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car development.
With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the E 63 AMG has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model. Another standard feature is the unrivalled anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact.