By Samuel Ee

AS with previous models, the new, ninth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is being unveiled with a host of safety and comfort innovations. The following are some of the new technologies being introduced:

Active Bonnet and knee airbag

In the interests of pedestrian protection, the Active Bonnet comes standard on the new E-Class. Upon impact, the hood pops up by 50 mm in 40 milliseconds to provide additional deformation space between the pedestrian and the rigid engine parts under the sheet metal.

What is unique about the Merc system is that it uses a spring-load mechanism, not pyrotechnics. This means the Active Bonnet is a reversible system and can be reset easily by the owner by opening and closing the bonnet, thus lowering costs.

The E-Class also has a seventh additional airbag. This knee airbag was not instituted because of an increase in knee-related injuries during accidents. Rather, when this bag is deployed in conjunction with the driver's airbag, pelvic movements are minimised, allowing for more optimal protection.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist

The new E-Class has headlamps to adapt to the traffic situation and automatically avoids dazzling other drivers. A camera on the windscreen recognises traffic ahead and controls the headlamps so that the high beam is "reduced" to a low beam so as not reach the other vehicle.

Although this idea is not new, what is novel about the Mercedes system is that the transition from high to low beam and vice versa is relatively gradual compared with the on/off manner of other systems.

Electronic crumple zone

The radar-based system of the S-Class, which initiates automatic braking when a collision is imminent, has been enhanced to provide autonomous emergency braking.

Previously, the assistance system pre-conditioned the brakes 2.6 seconds before a potential impact. If there is no driver response, audio and visual warnings come on 1.6 seconds prior to collision, plus partial braking (40 per cent brake power).

But now, if there is still no reaction 0.6 seconds before collision, 100 per cent of the brake power is applied. Hence the term "electronic crumple zone".

No more drowsiness danger

A quarter of all accidents on the autobahn are due to drowsiness or inattention. So Mercedes-Benz is fitting the new Attention Assist drowsiness detection system as standard equipment on the new E-Class.

Highly sensitive sensors continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. When the driver's steering behaviour indicates such a potentially dangerous situation, the system gives out acoustic and visual warnings.

20% cut in consumption

The entry-level Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI BlueEfficiency has a new 1.8-litre, turbocharged direct injection engine with 184 hp and 270 Nm.

Thanks to the introduction of direct injection technology, this all-aluminium four-cylinder engine enjoys a 20 per cent fuel savings. It consumes just 6.8 litres of petrol per 100 km under the combined cycle, or 14.7 km/l.

Easy-Pack boot box

There may be loads of new engineering and safety standards but the one feature you are likely to enjoy most is the Easy-Pack boot box. Fitted in the boot under the rear parcel shelf, you pull out what looks like a tray. Press the middle of this "tray" down and it becomes a waterproof box for any wet or dirty items.

There is even a T-shaped hook if you need to hang something. To store it, all you need to do is press a button and the whole bag disappears back into its frame. Simply brilliant.

samuelee@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Business Times.