Hand on heart, our car is safe

systems that identify potential hazards around the car.

The adjustable safety distance can be set when following other cars, and it is quickly mastered by using a small stalk on the left- hand side of the steering column.

A button on the end of the stalk controls other parts of the Drive Pilot system, including self- parking functions and automatic lane changing.

A small green steering wheel symbol shines on the dashboard to indicate the system is activated; the left- hand indicator signals the intention to change lane; and the car checks its surroundings to determine whether it is safe to make the manoeuvre, then imply steers into the chosen lane.

The Mercedes will not make the INTELLIGENT DRIVE SYSTEM ON THE E- CLASS MODELS IS AUTOMATICALLY ABLE NOT ONLY TO KEEP THE CAR AT A CORRECT DISTANCE BEHIND SLOWER VEHICLES, BUT IT CAN ALSO FOLLOW THEM IN THEIR LANE, AT ANY SPEED UP TO THE LEGAL MAXIMUM. move if it detects an obstacle in the chosen lane, or if the driver overrides it by taking control of the steering.

But it is not only the driver and passengers who benefit from the semi- autonomous features on the E200.

It is fitted with an active braking assist program, with pedestrian detection evasive steering assist. This system provides a boost to the braking if it detects, for example, a pedestrian ahead, and the driver has applied too little brake pressure. It also has evasive steering assist, which will autonomously turn the wheel to ensure the car avoids a pedestrian ahead, then straightens the car up so it stays on the road.

Although many other premium models have similar systems, some operate only at relatively low speeds. However the MercedesBenz collision avoidance operates up to about 60km/ h.

It also has a function to reduce accident or injury severity up to around 70km/ h, depending on the circumstances.

If the safety systems decide there is no way of avoiding an obstacle, it initiates emergency braking functions, which include boosting the braking power over and above what the driver applies.

There are also side- collision detection features, where air chambers inflate and the driver is propelled towards the centre of the car and away from the crash impact on the side of the car, reducing the risk of injury.

In addition there is pre- safe sound, which reduces the effects of noise stress caused by collisions.

It produces a short white noise signal through the car’s sound system, which prepares the driver’s inner ear for the imminent crash. It effectively disconnects the ear drum and inner ear, reducing the risk of hearing damage from the collision.

This is definitely one feature of the E200 we hope not to test as we continue our three- month test.