The world’s most advanced car — the new Mercedes E Class — goes on sale in Australia today

[Express]

The world’s most advanced car — the new Mercedes E Class — goes on sale in Australia today


Joshua Dowling,
National Motoring Editor,
News Corp Australia Network

27 July, 2016





THE world’s most hi-tech car goes on sale in Australia today, with more autonomy than any other vehicle before it.

It can steer itself for up to 60 seconds, change lanes at the press of a button, and the dashboard has a 25-inch wide-screen with the same resolution as an Apple iPad.

There is just one catch: the new Mercedes-Benz E Class starts at $90,000.

But the technology is expected to trickle down to more affordable models.

The hi-tech sedan will also activate “white noise” inside the cabin moments before a crash, to prevent damage to eardrums when airbags deploy.



It looks like an ordinary sedan but it is loaded with world first technology. Picture: Supplied.


It can avoid crashing into the car in front — from 100km/h — if the driver is not paying attention, by slamming on the brakes at the last moment.

If the car senses it is about to be hit from behind, it will flash the brake lights in the hope it may alert the driver of the incoming car.

Eighty-four tiny LEDs in each headlight mean the high beams can be engaged without dazzling oncoming traffic — because they blank out the specific area around other cars as they approach.

If the car gets caught in a crosswind, it will automatically dab the brakes — individually, and on either side of the car — to keep it in the lane.

In a side impact, the front seats pivot slightly inboard to move the occupants away from the door.

Shutters behind the grille will close in cool conditions at freeway speeds to improve aerodynamic efficiency and trim fuel consumption.

Despite being as big as a Holden Commodore, the petrol model sips the same amount of fuel as a Toyota Yaris hatchback and the diesel is almost as frugal as a Toyota Prius.

Many new luxury cars these days are available with heated and cooled seats.

But Mercedes has cranked up the opulence by adding heated arm rests in the doors and a heated centre console cover to its list of options.



The 25-inch widescreen has the same resolution as an Apple iPad. Picture: Supplied.


Despite all its electronic gadgets, Mercedes stopped short of calling its latest model an autonomous car.

Instead, it says the new E Class is “another major step towards autonomous driving” and describes its technology as “assistance systems”.

“It’s there when you need it, the technology should not replace driver attention” says the head of Mercedes autonomous car technology, Jochen Haab.

The man in charge of testing future technology for Mercedes said Australia’s strict speed enforcement made the country “ideal” for autonomous vehicle systems because, unlike Europe, there is not a great differentiation in traffic speeds.

“High differential speeds is not a topic in Australia,” said Mr Haab. “That could be an enabler for Australia for higher levels of autonomy, because you don’t have another car approaching at 250km/h from behind (as can happen on a German autobahn).”

For this reason Mercedes is considering testing future autonomous technology in Australia.

“Australia is a very interesting country for us, long haul travel, very long stretches, good roads, and good road markings,” said Mr Haab.



The new Mercedes can automatically brake from 100km/h to prevent a rear-end crash. Picture: Supplied.


“We will see this technology work first in freeway conditions, where there are not as many variables and it’s relatively easy for the car’s systems to read and understand other traffic,” he said. “Autonomous technology in city driving is some time away.”

Earlier this year, News Corp Australia discovered — in dramatic fashion — autonomous technology is far from fool proof.

While testing the automatic lane change system, the Mercedes failed to detect the edge of the lane on a freeway and we nearly hit a concrete wall at 100km/h.


Top 10 tricks in the new Mercedes:

1. Can steer itself for up to 60 seconds while cameras and radar monitor the road ahead.

2. It can change lanes automatically at the press of a button — at certain speeds in ideal conditions.

3. The dashboard has a 25-inch wide-screen with the same resolution as an Apple iPad.

4. In a split second before a crash, the audio speakers emit “white noise” so eardrums aren’t damaged by the sound of airbags deploying.

5. Eighty-four LEDs in each headlight mean you can drive with high beam and not dazzle oncoming cars; they create a ‘box’ around other traffic.

6. The front seats pivot inboard as the side airbags deploy to move you out of harm’s way.

7. If you’re about to be hit from behind, the brake lights will flash in an attempt to alert the other driver.

8. In a crosswind, the car will dab the brakes individually — and on either side — to keep you in the lane.

9. Shutters behind the grille close in cool conditions at freeway speeds to improve aerodynamics and trim fuel consumption.

10. It has the option of heated arm rests and a heated centre console.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/tec...35eca8ff908a9c

[Crazy Dazz]

Apart from the obvious issue that what Dowling knows about cars could be written on the bum of an ant (so we can basically assume he has simply parotted their promotional data.)

Technology is great when used appropriately.

If you need the computer to stop you smashing into a wall, you should never be allowed behind the wheel of a car. And I mean NEVER.
All that technology will do is encourage morons to tailgate more and pay even less attention to the road.
I would like to see seats equipped with needles that jabbed idiots in their bum every time they started playing with their iPhone, or moved the mirror so they could do their makeup, etc. That would be progress.

[asagaai]

The move to PC and LED screens for dashboard for things like speedo and rev counter does not fit well with me. I like looking at a decent analog dash with speedo and rev counter, although I do like a digital read out of speed to carefully monitor speed in sensitive speed restricted areas.

Sorry this dash is just UGLY and cheap looking. Like comparing a cheap LED watch to an analog rolex.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

If you need the computer to stop you smashing into a wall, you should never be allowed behind the wheel of a car. And I mean NEVER.
A

C'mon... why you talking Crazy Dazz??

I used to say the same when watching simulated crash tests.. 'yeah, but what dope doesn't slam on the brakes before they smash into a wall full pelt?'

And the reply was:

* Someone that fell asleep behind the wheel
* Someone that had a sneezing fit
* Someone that had a heart attack
* Someone that got a full face of sun before a bend

Cars have never been safer with all the tech, while it may make some drivers complacent it benefits the vast majority that are just normal drivers.

[Highway star]

Ah Yes, But will it combat the kamikaze kangaroo at 120? Oh well back to the drawing board.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by asagaai

Sorry this dash is just UGLY and cheap looking. Like comparing a cheap LED watch to an analog rolex.

Sorry I found this funny, a Falcon driver accusing the E-Class of having a cheap looking dashboard.

Originally Posted by Highway star

Ah Yes, But will it combat the kamikaze kangaroo at 120? Oh well back to the drawing board.

Volvo is working on it, damn those Euros for building cars for OZ conditions
https://www.theguardian.com/business...roo-collisions

[Patty]

Originally Posted by asagaai

The move to PC and LED screens for dashboard for things like speedo and rev counter does not fit well with me. I like looking at a decent analog dash with speedo and rev counter, although I do like a digital read out of speed to carefully monitor speed in sensitive speed restricted areas.

Sorry this dash is just UGLY and cheap looking. Like comparing a cheap LED watch to an analog rolex.

Ugly and cheap looking? It's better than anything Ford has dished up in the last decade. I reckon the 25 inch screen is fantastic!! I can't wait to see one in person.

[arronm]

Gee this even makes the latest commodore seem lacking in technology. Puts the last falcon in the Stone Age.

[DJM83]

Its not like the latest commodore is loaded with tech, i cant even understand why neither falcon nor commodore even got Xenon head lights?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Apart from the obvious issue that what Dowling knows about cars could be written on the bum of an ant (so we can basically assume he has simply parotted their promotional data.)

Talk to anyone in the marketing/PR department of almost any company and they will tell you that most Journos use the companies press release.

[xr6tjet]

Good logic, install a huge touch screen in the center of the dash and all of the crash technology to go with it so when you are busy tapping away on the screen and crash the car will save you. How about just remove the screen and the technology will not be so required...

[Express]

Originally Posted by xr6tjet

Good logic, install a huge touch screen in the center of the dash and all of the crash technology to go with it so when you are busy tapping away on the screen and crash the car will save you. How about just remove the screen and the technology will not be so required...

Who uses touch screens these days, just tell the car what you want or if you want to be old fashion, press the appropriate button on the steering wheel.

[Stefan]

Some weird logic in this thread. Why would you question a manufacturer consistently pushing safety technology.

Some great safety advancements being made by Mercedes. Did all drivers suddenly become complacent when seatbelts were invented?

In a few years no doubt Hyundai / Kia / Mazda will have ripped off the technology so John Caddgan can make a You tube clip saying that Hyundai is making better cars than Mercedes "on objective criteria" and you are an idiot and a "brand snob" if you buy Mercedes instead of the no-frill copy.

Which manufacturer is consistently making motoring safer? It's really only ever been one, every other manufacturer is just copying them.

If I had the means I'd be in a MB for my daily duties, and happy to pay the premium.

[arronm]

More driver aids can only be a positive. The heads up display with projected current speed and speed limit is on top of the list for me. Every car should have this and will in the future. Give it a few years and I will be able to write reports while the car drives me to work.

Can't wait for the day. The daily drive to and from work is a wasted 1.5 hours that I could be charging for.

[Highway star]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Volvo is working on it, damn those Euros for building cars for OZ conditions
https://www.theguardian.com/business...roo-collisions

That is a pretty scary article, "The car will automatically slam on the brakes if a collision is imminent with a Roo" That should get the road toll figures moving upward.

[asagaai]

Originally Posted by Patty

Ugly and cheap looking? It's better than anything Ford has dished up in the last decade. I reckon the 25 inch screen is fantastic!! I can't wait to see one in person.

I did not say in my post that the Falcon was better or more expensive looking, and I agree that the latest Falcon is very utility and basic, the Sync 2 is functional but is ugly- and really that is not the point- the Falcon is what - 8 years old design and built to a utility basic pricepoint and was 8 years ago.

But we are talking about the latest luxury car from a major producer-designed as a luxury unit now.

For me, I would like to see a more driver focused wrap around tailored binnacle dominated by large analog speedo/tacho like the Porsche big analog dials, with a digital speed readout in between the 2 big analog dials.

Then right of the critical driver rounded binnacle with the major anlalog dials, have the huge PC touchscreen.

To me the flat elongated flat dash is just fugly. No issue with the materials looking good and the leather etc.

But each to their own...

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Highway star

That is a pretty scary article, "The car will automatically slam on the brakes if a collision is imminent with a Roo" That should get the road toll figures moving upward.

For more context

A radar will scan the road ahead and the on-board computer will predict a kangaroo’s next move. If there is time the car will warn the driver. But if a collision is imminent, the car slams on the brakes. The reaction speed is 0.05 seconds, 24 times faster than a human.

So it won't just slam on the brakes, it'll assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
What would you suggest is a better option? steer it away into trees, a ditch?

[NX74205]

With the classic grille and the upright three pointed star bonnet emblem - as all Mercedes sedans should - this car looks very classy and elegant. Pity I don't have a spare 100K ...

Originally Posted by xr6tjet

Good logic, install a huge touch screen in the center of the dash and all of the crash technology to go with it so when you are busy tapping away on the screen and crash the car will save you. How about just remove the screen and the technology will not be so required...

What touch screen? The screens on Mercedes cars are not touch screens. They are controlled via a touch pad in the centre console.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by Wretched

So it won't just slam on the brakes, it'll assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
What would you suggest is a better option? steer it away into trees, a ditch?

No idea what he would prefer? Maybe accelerate into the roo and have a magic "roo bar" that appears right before impact. Need to calibrate the system to make sure it does not accelerate to hit pedestrians.

People have some strange ideas. We should just keep driving EH Holdens....the perfect Aussie car..

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by asagaai

I did not say in my post that the Falcon was better or more expensive looking, and I agree that the latest Falcon is very utility and basic, the Sync 2 is functional but is ugly- and really that is not the point- the Falcon is what - 8 years old design and built to a utility basic pricepoint and was 8 years ago.

But we are talking about the latest luxury car from a major producer-designed as a luxury unit now.

For me, I would like to see a more driver focused wrap around tailored binnacle dominated by large analog speedo/tacho like the Porsche big analog dials, with a digital speed readout in between the 2 big analog dials.

Then right of the critical driver rounded binnacle with the major anlalog dials, have the huge PC touchscreen.

To me the flat elongated flat dash is just fugly. No issue with the materials looking good and the leather etc.

But each to their own...

Completely agree. The Falcon's dash is irrelevant - the screen in this Benz looks cheap and nasty despite every other aspect of the interior looking absolutely stunning. Audi have done a far better job with their virtual cockpit.

[chevypower]

I think it looks great. Mercedes always puts BMW interiors to shame. I wouldn't mind an E400, especially when it gets the 3.0 inline 6.

[Trump]

This new E-series looks impeccable from the outside, the interior... not so much. That giant LCD panel looks completely out of place, has more than a hint of afterthought.

I'd much prefer a Tesla for the money.

[Highway star]

Originally Posted by Wretched

For more context



So it won't just slam on the brakes, it'll assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
What would you suggest is a better option? steer it away into trees, a ditch?

You blokes obviously have no concept about driving in Kangaroo country, I've been doing it all my life. I'm yet to see any wiz bang invention that works other than a bull bar on a Kenworth. They will hit you from anywhere back, side , front , rear. They even hit you when you stop.
One smart fellar from Main roads decided to put some new road markers in a known hot spot that were triangular and had 3 reflectors on each post, his theory was that the light would hit from any angle and startle the roo's off back into the bush.
Well he got one part right, they startled alright right back onto the road, the collision rate went up 3 fold. They removed them within 2 weeks.
You can generally get a few to hop away using your blinkers, not much good in daylight though.

[TUF_302]

I hate to be a Mechanic these days lol

[Whitey-AMG]

If this new merc cant detect pokemon from 100m away....then......meh!!!

[Express]

Originally Posted by Highway star

You blokes obviously have no concept about driving in Kangaroo country, I've been doing it all my life. I'm yet to see any wiz bang invention that works other than a bull bar on a Kenworth. They will hit you from anywhere back, side , front , rear. They even hit you when you stop.
One smart fellar from Main roads decided to put some new road markers in a known hot spot that were triangular and had 3 reflectors on each post, his theory was that the light would hit from any angle and startle the roo's off back into the bush.
Well he got one part right, they startled alright right back onto the road, the collision rate went up 3 fold. They removed them within 2 weeks.
You can generally get a few to hop away using your blinkers, not much good in daylight though.

These passive systems are there to help avoid an accident and the key word is to help, they are not sold as a complete safeguard and won't make up for unusual situations no more than they will overcome totally stupid driving.

I'm from the bush and if you are driving at speed at dusk or dawn in areas frequented by Kangaroos where your sight distance is short then quite simply you are asking for trouble.

Passive systems don't usually make up for the lack of commonsense.

[SumoDog68]

It looks like a nice car but how complicated do they need to make it ? Troubleshooting and repairing this is going to be fun . Most of the headline tech "advancements" are optional in their complex equipment package system.
Even if you look at the tech on offer - hardly anything of practical value.
Having said that i don't even use cruise control let alone auto headlights on my car so i am probably in minority.
Hopefully they engineered a way to replace one of those 84 individual headlight LEDs without replacing the whole headlight.
It is scary that they consider Australia to be perfect for autonomous driving due to our policing of speed.It means car will drive itself to your work while you are going to be served latest infotainment on your 100 inch screen. Considering how many can't let go of their phone while driving it is going to be a hit.

[Trump]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

It looks like a nice car but how complicated do they need to make it ? Troubleshooting and repairing this is going to be fun . Most of the headline tech "advancements" are optional in their complex equipment package system.
Even if you look at the tech on offer - hardly anything of practical value.
Having said that i don't even use cruise control let alone auto headlights on my car so i am probably in minority.
Hopefully they engineered a way to replace one of those 84 individual headlight LEDs without replacing the whole headlight.
It is scary that they consider Australia to be perfect for autonomous driving due to our policing of speed.It means car will drive itself to your work while you are going to be served latest infotainment on your 100 inch screen. Considering how many can't let go of their phone while driving it is going to be a hit.

It is almost as though they are consciously making them to be no-go zones after the warranty expires; engineered obsolescence...

[cycle myth]

Benz do some nice cars, and this one has some nice touches - but it doesn't seem to gel together well (maybe better in the flesh).

They seem to have departed from their recent pricing strategy and have charged a premium. Might be tough when its superseded in 6 months.

[Junkyard-Dog]

I would sell the bones in my face to own one of these.