Technology makes for safety.
There's nothing backward looking, however, in the list of standard and optional technological features that Mercedes has stuffed into the new E-class. The previous E-class went down the high-tech road and wasn't particularly well served. Its electronic braking system proved troublesome (it was later scrapped); its air suspension's firmer settings made for a brittle ride; and the radio/navigation interface could be frustrating. The new car uses a lot more advanced technology, but it's better-integrated and far more polished.
Much of the technology is dedicated to the cause of active safety. Brake Assist Plus, which appeared first in the 2007 S-class, now comes to the E. It uses the forward-looking radar sensor of the active cruise control (the optional Distronic Plus), although the cruise control does not need to be engaged for it to work. If it sees that the car is closing in on an object ahead too fast, it first flashes a red triangle warning light, then beeps at you, then at 1.6 seconds before a projected impact, it will start to slow the car with up to 40 percent brake power. All these abilities are already available on higher-end Benz models (and some Lexus and Volvo models as well). What's new here is that at 0.6 second before impact - the point at which the driver has run out of time to avoid the object and a crash become inevitable - the car will apply full braking power, slowing the car and reducing the severity of the crash. A philosophical question might be: Why wait until a crash is unavoidable to apply full braking power? Why not do it earlier and perhaps avoid the collision? In answer, Mercedes engineers say they want to give the driver every opportunity to avoid the crash him- or herself - by swerving around the car ahead, for example - before the system slams on the brakes. This full-braking capability makes its debut on the 2010 E-class but will come to the S-class with that model's refresh this fall. The only unfortunate thing is that this braking technology is optional, bundled with active cruise control. ...next page >>