In and around Chicago, C-Class wagon drivers are excited about what new safety features and innovative technology awaits them inside new Mercedes vehicles soon. And it seems like they won’t be disappointed, since several exciting features are coming down the pipeline with benefits ranging from added safety, to introducing smartphone capability and even increased fuel efficiency.
Imagine driving at a high speed, going past the point where braking would be effective, yet still being able to avoid a collision through steering. It would be great, right? This is exactly what the Emergency Steer Assist (ESA) is capable of doing. And before you freak out, no this feature does not take over and do your steering for you – it only suggests the type of steering given a particular braking situation by inducing the correct steering by for instance, stiffening the suspension. Around Chicago, used Mercedes drivers are even excited for the implications this could have on for instance, car insurance rates since technically, a feature like ESA makes the car safer. For now, we’ll just have to wait and keep our eyes on the road.
Another technology that may soon be available to Mercedes drivers is one that may be familiar to you video gamers out there. The technology that allows force feedback controllers to provide a haptic response based on user inputs will now be put to use behind the wheel. Called the active force feedback pedal, this is a pedal that can pulse back on your foot based on whether or not you are accelerating too hard or too often. Also, if it is synced up to other safety devices in the vehicle, the pedal can vibrate or buzz to alert the driver. The best part is that the driver can still push through the force feedback if they really do for instance, need to continue accelerating. The other great feature of the active force feedback pedal is one that is sure to please drivers in Chicago. Used Mercedes fans know all too well that all of that accelerating leads to lots of visits to the fuel pump. The pedal feature can actually help reduce fuel consumption and even emissions since the pedal technology helps the driver to maintain optimal speed.
Now this one is going to make those people who are attached to their smartphones very happy. Known as AutoLinQ, this technology is a mix of information/entertainment system that brings the perks of your smartphone into the car with you. For instance, AutoLinQ is able to read things such as emails and RSS feeds aloud, so you are not distracted while you are behind the wheel. It also offers features such as real-time traffic updates, a must-have feature for drivers in Chicago. C-Class wagon drivers could get really excited about AutoLinQ given the headache that rush hour can bring. And if you can’t avoid the traffic, you’ll at least be able to sit in it and be entertained by apps such as the popular Internet radio, Pandora.
Rounding off the list of the five up-and-coming technologies are the Intelligent Tire System/Fill Assist and the customization of driving “profiles”. The tire system can really optimize fuel consumption and improve safety by notifying the driver if for instance, tires are balding, or if more air pressure is needed in order to optimize efficiency.
The improvements to the “profile” of cars basically revolve around giving vehicles the ability to go from Sport, to Normal, to Comfort mode with a push of a button. However, this technology takes it one step further by offering an Eco mode where for instance, if you drive in a way that is eco-friendly, a graphic will come up on the LCD screen and you can take this in for rewards at your local Mercedes dealer. Not only will this encourage green driving, but will also foster relationships between Mercedes drivers and local dealerships.
