The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has received a new suite of driver-assistance hardware and software the aim of which is to help the driver on the highways. What about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class model and their technology?
The luxury sedan has gone through a minor redesign process, and the new model will be unveiled at the 2017 New York Auto Show in April, but even before the official presentation, the car’s 4.5 driver assistance gear was demonstrated in Germany. They showed improved software controlling the E-Class’ radar and camera equipment that consists of forward-looking radar, two rear/side-looking ones and forward stereo cameras. All of this has helped Mercedes introduce the Active Distance Assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, advanced Active Steering Assist and better emergency assist function together with the new remote parking pack.
ADADASA Is An Awful Acronym, But Useful Feature
ADADASA stands for the Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist system. This system works by displaying the improved situational awareness of the car together with map data after which the cruise control part of the system is activated. Once it is on, the car automatically reduces its speed in the upcoming curves, especially those in which the passengers might feel uncomfortable, and it approaches this bends with extra caution. The bends are just one example, but the system also works when the car approaches roundabouts, intersections, toll booths, etc.
Every time your 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class slows down, you will know the exact reason why it did so because it will appear in the instrument cluster. You can change the aggressiveness with which the car will slow down and speed up by opting for one of the three offered modes – comfort, eco, and sport. This system is functional at the speeds up to 130 mph.
Don’t get too relaxed, though since this is still Level 2 autonomy and you will have to negotiate these roundabouts and bend safely. However, you can slow down before some not-so-sharp curves, and the system will steer without the driver’s assistance. Mercedes-Benz has evidently updated its steering assist function, and you can control these systems using the buttons which are located on the steering wheel.
Active Brake and Evasive Steering Assist
The car is designed to immediately apply the brakes when you are either driving or reversing into a potentially dangerous traffic. Similar to the brake-assist function that is implemented into numerous cars, the steering assist will help you out if you maneuver evasively in order to avoid a pedestrian or vehicle collision.
Car-To-X Communications
The communication is already becoming available between all new E-Class models, and soon the S-Class vehicles will join the conversation as the German automaker could share information about traffic, weather conditions on the road, braking events, etc. It the US, the mapping/traffic-info aggregating firm Here could become involved to make this possible because Mercedes hold part ownership in it. For this kind of communications, Mercedes currently uses a cellular network.
Active Lane Change Assist
When you flick the turn signal, the sensors designed for this action will make sure that a lane change wouldn’t cross a solid lane marker or risk a potential collision. The car will steer into the intended lane if the lane change is considered safe within ten seconds of the signaling and the car will accelerate if necessary. Only when the lane change is fully completed, the flasher will turn off.
Active Speed Limit Assist
Thanks to map data verified and collected by camera-based traffic sign recognition, your car will always be aware of the speed limit, and you can program it to obey it. However, there are some contradictions that the system cannot follow, and the one is seen in the photo here. Fortunately, this feature is separated from the rest and you can enable it if you want and if you do, it will also warn against making prohibited turns, or go into one-way streets the wrong way.
Remote Parking Assist
The new S-Class will be able to park itself either using the parallel or perpendicular park assist function. If the place where you want to park your car is tight and narrow, you can let the smartphone app maneuver the vehicle, avoid obstacles and even fold mirrors.
Active Emergency Stop Assist
If you constantly ignore the instructions to put your hands on the wheel and don’t put your feet on the accelerator or brake pedals, the car will switch on the flashers once it goes below 35 mph and then it will stop. Once it stops, an emergency call is made to summon assistance, and all doors unlock automatically.
Traffic-Jam Assist
The adaptive cruise system will follow the car in the front right down to a stop, and nothing has changed here, but now it will automatically resume following the car if it starts moving in 30 seconds.
