The CarWale Team had the unique opportunity to participate in the Mercedes StarDrive event which not only showcased the vehicle's safety, but in the case of the ML and GL, their off-roading capabilities as well. Set up at the Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai, Mercedes had an avoidance manovure and braking demo with cones on the straightline track for the C & E class and the ML and the GL tackled the custom built side-slopes hill climb and descent ramps, as well as a demo that demonstrated axle articulation and wheel-slip control. This was truly a unique way to showcase the vehicle's capabilities to existing and prospective customers so that they could learn more about the car and what they are truly capable of.
The programme gave the participants to experience the key safety technologies like Pro-Engineering Package, Airmatic etc and also learn the dynamics of the vehicle namely safety, agility and performance in conditions off-road and on-road.
Some of the key features that we got a 'live' demonstration of, were:
Actively Body Control (ABC)
Actively Body Control is an active suspension and damping system that automatically adjusts the chassis setting to driving conditions. Body movements like lifting, rolling and pitching are reduced by the microprocessor–controlled system within a fraction of a second and a high level of damping is provided. ABC lowers the body of the vehicle and so reduces aerodynamic drag. Even at high driving speeds, maximum stability of the vehicle is achieved and petrol consumption reduced.
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) developed by Mercedes-Benz works by continuously comparing the actual behaviour of the car and the intended direction being taken by the driver.
In the event of a critical handling situation, ESP can not only recognise danger, it can also automatically trigger remedial reaction. For instance, if ESP detects the vehicle deviating from the driver’s intended direction during acceleration, braking or cruising, it can identify the problem and relay the data to a high performance micro computer. The computer then instantly adjusts the engine torque and applies a precisely metered brake force to one or more wheels in order to stabilise the vehicle.
This driving safety system can reduce the risk of skidding in critical driving situations. While the car is being driven, ESP computer continuously compares the actual behaviour of the vehicle with the drivers’ intended direction. Using specially developed controlled logic, it can instantly intervene by delivering precisely metered braking impulses at any single wheel, as well as adjusting the engine torque.
Pre-Safe
PRE-SAFE is based on the principle of prevention: The system is capable of recognising critical operating conditions which would lead to an accident, whereupon it swings into action to prepare both the vehicle and its occupants for possible impact. Advance detection of collisions are made possible by the PRE-SAFE® system's as yet unrivalled synergy of active and passive safety. It makes full use of the sensor technology fitted for existing systems such as ESP and BAS whose sensors pick up critical driving situations and relay the related information to PRE-SAFE systems which complement the standard-specification safety systems.
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