Only two years after Mercedes-Benz positioned the sixth generation of the flagship S-Class sedan as "the best car in the world" due to advanced technology, the latest iteration of the E-Class, its little brother, promises even more high tech when it arrives this fall. The S-Class came with a lot of technology, much of it aimed at moving closer to full autonomous driving, but now Mercedes-Benz is saying the 2017 E-Class, which debuts late next year will replace the S-Class as the 'best car in the world.' Here's why:
Full-perimeter monitoring
This next Mercedes is rocketing toward fully autonomous driving. Advances include an upgraded version of the Distronic adaptive cruise control. Previously, the cameras needed lane markings for guidance but the E-Class can use the taillights of cars ahead or guardrails to keep the vehicle positioned in the centre of the lane and at a safe following distance.
Advanced driver-assistance
This network of cameras and sensors aids drivers who aren't ready to relinquish full control. Active Braking Assist automatically hammers the brakes if a vehicle pulls out directly into the car's path. Engineers claim collisions can be prevented at speeds up to 70 km/h. Evasive Steering Assist automatically detects pedestrians and other obstacles in the car's path. If the driver turns the wheel insufficiently or over-compensates to avoid collision, the system takes corrective action to help maintin vehicle stability.
Light-emitting dynamo
The headlights on the current Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class utilize 24 LEDs linked together; there are 84 in the E-Class. The lighting system automatically spreads its beam wide for better visibility in corners and reduces intensity to prevent glare for oncoming vehicles. The taillights dim at night to reduce glare for following vehicles; they operate at 80 per cent of brightness at night and 60 per cent when stopped.
Side-impact protection
The Pre-Safe Impulse Side System anticipates a side impact and inflates the bladder in the side bolsters of the front seats, nudging the occupant closer to the centre of the vehicle. It alters the speed differential of the impact by accelerating the person in the same direction as the impact forces.
Sound-deadening safety
An involuntary contraction in the middle ear occurs when a person hears a high-intensity sound. To guard against hearing loss, Pre-Safe Sound triggers a white noise-like sound through the audio system speakers when sensors anticipate a crash.
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