On road in new Mercedes S-class
We get passenger ride aboard new Mercedes Level of autonomous tech sets new standards
We hitch a ride in hi-tech new range-topper
THE passenger seat isn’t usually the best place for first impressions, but as the car here is Mercedes’ new S-class we’ll make an exception. Not that the driver is doing much of the driving; the new S-class, which will be revealed fully within the next month, is pretty much driving itself.
Outwardly, even under the swirled camouflage, it’s clear that the brand’s biggest saloon won’t be a radical departure in looks from the existing model. The changes to Mercedes’ technology leader relate to exactly that – technology and specifically the driver assistance systems.
The E-class introduced many of these, with the current S-class actually trailing on Mercedes’ most advanced assistance and autonomous driving features. But that is set to change soon. The E-class runs the company’s 4.0-generation equipment, but the new S-class will have 4.5, which adds some new advanced features to some of the familiar technology introduced on the E-class.
The words ‘Active’ and ‘Assist’ feature a lot in the S-class’s new systems; Mercedes’ descriptions of its technology are never anything but literal, with the list including Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Steering Assist and Evasive Steering Assist, as well as Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active and Remote Parking Assist.
Today our driver is Volker Klink, of the Active Safety, Driver Assistance Systems team. Klink is basically steering, his foot only touching the brake a couple of times over a 50km driving route around the Sindelfingen facility in Germany.
Even the steering inputs are assisted, the S-class’s new technology follows navigation information and predictively reduces speeds when approaching bends, or junctions. Klink needs to hold on to the wheel – not doing so has the S-class repeatedly warn you before deciding to stop, then using Active Emergency Stop Assist to unlock the doors and call for the emergency services to arrive on the scene on your behalf.