The Power of Stereo Cameras

In the video Mercedes-Benz released to introduce the new "S-Class," the first thing that catches the eye is the array of advanced safety features.Already covered in detail by OPENERS, this technology is realized through stereo cameras.

The video at the top of this page first introduces "Magic Body Control." While it is affected by weather, this function, which operates up to 130 km/h, reads the road surface ahead with stereo cameras located above the windshield and adjusts the suspension to its optimal setting as the car passes over that spot. It is said to achieve superior safety through a "magic carpet-like" ride and stable body control.

"PRE SAFE" works in conjunction with "BAS Plus (Brake Assist Plus)" to form an integrated system that reduces accidents. It operates using a combination of stereo cameras and radar, and the video primarily showcases its ability to avoid pedestrian accidents in urban environments. It goes beyond mere warnings; the key point is that it measures the distance to pedestrians and, if the driver's braking is insufficient, provides appropriate assistance or automatically applies the brakes even if the driver has not applied them at all. This function operates perfectly up to 50 km/h and continues to function up to 72 km/h, significantly reducing the risk of serious accidents with pedestrians.

"Active Lane Keeping Assist" operates at speeds above 60 km/h. It also works with the brakes to prevent lane departure and collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Furthermore, "Blind Spot Monitor," which operates from 30 km/h, alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot behind them. If the driver attempts to change lanes without noticing the warning, it controls the brakes on one side to prevent the lane change, thereby avoiding or mitigating a collision.

"DISTRONIC PLUS" operates from 0 to 200 km/h. It maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead while keeping the car within its lane. Additionally, depending on traffic conditions, it can follow the vehicle ahead even in congested traffic with slow speeds, even without clear lane markings. When traffic clears and speeds increase, it adjusts to the speed of adjacent vehicles for overtaking, decelerating if necessary. It is said to perform overtakes at a relative speed slightly faster than the vehicle being overtaken, with a small relative speed difference.

Additionally, the brake assist system "BAS Plus" can also respond to sudden appearances of bicycles and cars.



The video above focuses on design. It explains that the S-Class is a special, flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, a new and ambitious Mercedes-Benz designed from a blank slate. The keywords for the exterior are clean, timeless, and confident.

The interior aims to be the world's finest limousine. While realizing new ideas, the focus is on being sensual, harmonious, and visually uncluttered. A highlight of the dashboard is the two flat screens that extend from the instrument cluster to the center console area.



Finally, we would like to introduce the driving videos of the "S 400 Hybrid" and "S 350 BlueTEC." In both, you can observe the operation of the aforementioned "Magic Body Control" as the body remains flat. Furthermore, one is struck by the exceptional quietness of the "S 350 BlueTEC" in the video on the left, despite being a diesel engine model.