Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky Might Make It to Side Windows in Future

Mercedes‘ Magic Sky technology might be making its way from car roofs to side glass, opening the possibility for an instantly-tinted rear window.

During the media launch event for its 2013 SL-Class, the company said it is exploring the possibility of integrating its adaptable window tech into other applications than just its glass ceilings. While the ability to quickly dim a side or rear window presents interesting luxury possibilities, there are also quite a few potential problems with introducing that capability.

In order for the glass to switch from being opaque to clear, light-blocking crystals need to be electrified. When that happens, they reposition themselves and the window lightens. Engineering a window capable of performing the same task while maintaining the ability to roll up and down is quite a bit more complicated than housing such an item in a retractable hardtop roof.

Those windows could be convenient to block unwanted looky-loos and prying paparazzi, but being able to almost-instantly block the cabin view can also potentially interfere with the police.

The high-tech glass would also need to pass a set of safety standards before Mercedes could even consider putting it in side windows. Another potential problem could occur if the car, for whatever reason, stopped applying that small electric current. Imagine driving at night and finding that your windows were suddenly dark enough to block 80 percent of the sun’s rays with no way to fix the problem.

For now, the automaker is exploring the idea, but not planning to implement its Magic Sky in additional applications any time soon.

[Source: Motor Trend]