Mercedes Benz presented its Car-to-X Communication service for the first time in 2016 – initially on E-class, now available across all models – and has now added additional Car-to-X functions to further increase safety, especially in the case of large potholes.
Large potholes pose a safety risk, because if you don’t spot them in time, you can neither evade nor reduce your speed. There is also a risk of damage to the tires and suspension system. In the worst case, accidents can also occur.
- The new generation of the C-Class, S-Class and EQS can detect large potholes and road bumps.
- New Car-to-X functions developed entirely in-house
- Requirements are Mercedes Me Account, activation and Online availability of the Car-to-X service
Mercedes-Benz Car-to-X functions: how does it work?
With the new C class, S-class and EQS To be able to recognize potholes and bumps, the “Car-to-X Communication” service is activated during registration by the chassis control unit and the information is sent to the Mercedes-Benz cloud network in real time, along with position data.
Mercedes-Benz cars in the vicinity are informed and the events are displayed with icons on the navigation map. An acoustic warning is given about 10 seconds before the corresponding lane section is reached and the symbol is highlighted.
Requirements are a Mercedes Me account as well as activation and online availability of the Car-to-X Communication service. In the new C-Class, S-Class and EQS it is acoustically “Attention pothole!”. or ‘Warning, speed limit’. The new warnings are now available in selected markets worldwide and in all 36 languages recognized by the infotainment system.
New Mercedes Car-to-X functions developed in-house
Mercedes-Benz developed the new Car-to-X functions entirely in-house. The new pothole detection system was tested in the Test and Technology Center (PTZ) Immendingen. More than 30 different test and trial tracks are available there on an area of 520 hectares, including so-called comfort tracks with bumps and potholes of all kinds.
The C, S and EQS models of the new generation can detect potholes when the suspension suddenly compresses and rebounds when a certain threshold value is reached, and this also happens with a certain time delay on the rear axle after the front axle. A similar algorithm is also used to detect speed limits.
Another Car-to-X function from Mercedes-Benz uses the information from the Crosswind Assistant: if this assistance system is activated in strong crosswinds and supports the driver with targeted braking or steering interventions, the Mercedes-Benz Cloud is also notified. Motorists following behind can thus be specifically warned of gusts.
Since sensors from other cars are also used, car-to-X technology significantly extends the range of the vehicle’s own sensors, such as radar or camera systems. Car-to-X technology allows you to look around the corner, so to speak.
Mercedes-Benz cars from model year 2016 can receive the warning notices. In total, that’s over three million vehicles worldwide.
Mercedes-Benz in India
The German luxury car maker launched a multitude of new models in India this year, including the A-class sedan, GLA. the second generation, E-class facelift, new S-Class, Maybach GLS 600 and last two new E-Class AMGs – AMG E63 S and AMG E53.
See also:
Autocar drives the first 0-300 km / h time in a Mercedes-AMG GT R.
Mercedes-Benz India announces new sales model “Retail of the Future”
Mercedes Maybach teases ultra-luxurious EQS electric SUV
Mercedes EQE teased before the presentation in Munich