Latest Mercedes-Benz News
The Mercedes engineers have continued their long-standing commitment to protecting pedestrians by introducing an active bonnet as standard for the new E-Class. In the event of an accident, a system of springs raises the rear section of the bonnet by 50 millimetres within a matter of milliseconds, thus enlarging the deformation zone. The system is reversible and can be reset manually by the driver.
 With the new E-Class, Mercedes has created another masterpiece of passenger-car safety technology. The saloon’s front deformation zone works on several levels – making it even more effective as the impact forces are distributed over a wide area and can be made to bypass the passenger cell, With seven airbags fitted as standard, not to mention seat-belt tensioners, belt force limiters and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. Adaptive belt force limiters will be installed in the rear for the first time
Blind Spot Assist, developed by Mercedes-Benz, uses radar technology to monitor the areas directly alongside and behind the car. It warns the driver when changing lanes would be too dangerous.
Mercedes experts will be focussing more than ever on avoiding traffic accidents and reducing accident severity, with the driver assistance systems being unveiled in the new E-Class and the model year 2009 S-Class from spring 2009 onwards set to play a crucial role. Mercedes-Benz is implementing a globally unique synergy of sophisticated safety technologies to give its cars extra “senses” and added intelligence. All of which makes Mercedes models part of the “thinking” process – cars that can see, sense and act autonomously. In addition to this, the Mercedes saloons show the way ahead when it comes to occupant protection and set new standards with their “electronic” crumple zones.
A newly developed Mercedes assistance system warns the driver if the car leaves its lane unintentionally. The camera on the inside of the windscreen monitors the road markings and detects when the car leaves its lane. Lane Keeping Assist will be available for the new E-Class and the S-Class from spring 2009.
