2011 Mercedes CL-Class Gets 'Corrective Braking' to Keep You on Track

Mercedes continues to roll out new safety features for its luxurious cars, the latest being for the updated 2011 CL-Class models. The latest innovations include Active Lane Keeping Assist (a similar system is found on the 2011 Infiniti M), as well as Active Blind Spot Assist.

The first, Active Lane Keeping Assist works much like Infiniti’s system, using the forward facing camera and radar to read the lines in the road. If the system detects the driver is veering off into another lane it will send vibrations through the steering wheel – simulating the feeling of hitting rumble strips on the side of the highway. If the driver does not correct the car’s steering, the system will intervene, adding brakes on the opposite side of the car to pull it back into the lane.

As for the Active Blind Spot Assist, it adds this technology to a conventional blind spot assist feature. First, the system will alert the driver with the same “rumble strip” feel through the steering wheel if it detects there is a car in the vehicle’s blind spot. Then, if the driver ignores this and attempts a lane change, the car will add brakes to pull it back into its lane.

These features will add to the long list of safety items that have appeared in Mercedes products since the launch of the new E-Class, including Attention Assists, Pre-Safe Brake with automatic emergency braking and Night View Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

2011 CL-Class Showcases Corrective Braking

July 14, 2010 – MONTVALE, NJ

The restyled CL-Class boasts two new safety features based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology. Renowned as the flagship coupe from Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 CL-Class debuts Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both designed to help the driver avoid danger through corrective braking. Building on the innovative technologies introduced last year on the E- and S-Class, the CL-Class now showcases the height of safety technology form Mercedes-Benz including features such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE Brake with automatic emergency braking, and Night View Assist PLUS with Pedestrian Detection. The 2011MY CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2010.

Active Lane Keeping Assist
Using a multi-purpose camera mounted in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images, Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel (via an electric motor) if the car drifts from its lane unintentionally. Should the driver fail to react to this warning, the car intervenes by gently braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car. The unequal distribution of braking forces causes a yaw movement which helps the driver to stay in their lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist makes use of the existing ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) system to apply the brakes and maintain vehicle control.

Active Blind Spot Assist
The second innovation on the 2011 CL-Class, Active Blind Spot Assist, monitors both blind spots alongside the vehicle using close-range radar sensors. When a vehicle is detected, a yellow warning triangle is illuminated in the corresponding side-view mirror. Should the driver disregard this warning and activate the turn indicator, the warning triangle changes to red and an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore these warnings and moves dangerously close to a neighboring vehicle, the system activates corrective braking intervention to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. Like Active Lane Keeping Assist, the yaw movement helps correct the car’s path or minimize the consequences of
a collision.

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support.

A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.