2013 Mercedes-benz S Class - 9 Key New or Improved Technologies

Rodge · 18-11-2012, 12:00 PM

http://www.caradvice.com.au/201296/2...ty-technology/

Want to see into the future of what's possible with cars ?

As has been the case for over 50 years, your best forward vision is granted by the very latest Mercedes-benz S Class and with the new model due for release in 2013 we get a further insight into the future of car tecnology. Some pretty amazing stuff there and it seems it will only be one more generation, (another 7 years) and we'll have cars that drive themselves, seems this new distronic plus with steering function is pretty damm close allready... (self driving cars is one of M Benz's stated goals). Not sure I like the idea though.

Are cars that have such incredibly complex technological systems that they can drive themselves a good idea, what do you think ?

wrongwaynorris · 18-11-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

http://www.caradvice.com.au/201296/2...ty-technology/

Want to see into the future of what's possible with cars ?

As has been the case for over 50 years, your best forward vision is granted by the very latest Mercedes-benz S Class and with the new model due for release in 2013 we get a further insight into the future of car tecnology. Some pretty amazing stuff there and it seems it will only be one more generation, (another 7 years) and we'll have cars that drive themselves, seems this new distronic plus with steering function is pretty damm close allready... (self driving cars is one of M Benz's stated goals). Not sure I like the idea though.

Are cars that have such incredibly complex technological systems that they can drive themselves a good idea, what do you think ?

If anyone is going to get it right Benz will , people said the same things about cruise control many years ago .

Ford_The_Win · 18-11-2012, 12:50 PM

I think it's great, once again it's Mercedes Benz showing us that the future is now. Given how far cars have come in the last 10 years, I dare say most of this tech will be standard across the board by 2022.

Franco Cozzo · 18-11-2012, 12:53 PM

LED headlights are interesting, there is an Australian company which has designed LED head lights for bus and military purposes, but they've only got the same light output as a H4 halogen, 1000 lumens.

http://www.roadvision.com.au/Product...90_Series.aspx

As technology improves I guess these will too.

Every little efficiency gain, all helps in the long run.

XR Martin · 18-11-2012, 01:26 PM

Theres already a few cars on the market with LED headlights.

jmack · 18-11-2012, 01:35 PM

im all for good headlights for driving at night but some of the new cars are great for the person driving but not for the person driving into them,i would like to see something done about blinkers on new cars .its like playing a where is wally game trying to work out where they are especialy on a round about some are only small dots somewhere amoongst a big reflective clear headlight,in the daytime im talking

Rodge · 19-11-2012, 07:07 AM

Some of the tech in the new S Class has me impressed but I can't help but wonder how this new distronic plus with steering control will work in the real world....I'm sure its perfectly able to steer perfectly 100% of the time in the middle of the lane on German highways where the lane is clearly distinguised by cat's eye's or some other form of clear lane marking... but will it work with absolute 100% reliability on our local goat tracks that pass for roads and who wants to be the guniea pigs on that experiment ????

EVLKNEVL · 19-11-2012, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

Some of the tech in the new S Class has me impressed but I can't help but wonder how this new distronic plus with steering control will work in the real world....I'm sure its perfectly able to steer perfectly 100% of the time in the middle of the lane on German highways where the lane is clearly distinguised by cat's eye's or some other form of clear lane marking... but will it work with absolute 100% reliability on our local goat tracks that pass for roads and who wants to be the guniea pigs on that experiment ????

Yep, new tech can have its teething problems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYY7OfQ4-5A

mik · 19-11-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

Some of the tech in the new S Class has me impressed but I can't help but wonder how this new distronic plus with steering control will work in the real world....I'm sure its perfectly able to steer perfectly 100% of the time in the middle of the lane on German highways where the lane is clearly distinguised by cat's eye's or some other form of clear lane marking... but will it work with absolute 100% reliability on our local goat tracks that pass for roads and who wants to be the guniea pigs on that experiment ????

yeah , melbourne has plenty of those goat tracks too, the poor car would have an automotive mental break down

,
the better head light control would be a nice thing for all cars to have, i look forward to that day when it happens, no more being blinded by boofheads driving along with high beams on.
i think it is still a way off before cars take over the role of chauffeur, maybe the technology is there , but roads and infrastructure are light years behind motor car tech these days, good effort by benz though.

aussie muscle · 19-11-2012, 09:38 AM

dang that inflatable car look hilarious

tex · 19-11-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVLKNEVL

Yep, new tech can have its teething problems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYY7OfQ4-5A

That's gold. Scary to think some owners will dumb down further their already questionable driving skill - with an expectation the car will take care of occupant safety.....

If MB get it to function as intended, it will be a good safety feature however.