2018 S-Class Getting Advanced Self-Driving Capabilities
The S-Class has had self-driving capabilities for a few years now. But the 2018 makes things a whole lot more autonomous.
For several years now, self-driving capabilities have become quite a huge selling point for luxury vehicles, especially for Mercedes. The 2014 S-Class became the first production car to be able to drive on its own. Since then, other manufactures have jumped on the self-driving train. Heck, it won’t be long now until cars will be able to completely drive on their own, just like KITT.
Since the current generation S-Class debuted with the 2014 model, it’s had the ability to drive in highway traffic situations, accelerating and decelerating without the help of the driver. However, the Merc required a touch to the steering wheel, to make sure the driver didn’t fall asleep and was still paying attention to the road.
Mercedes pushing the limits of self-driving technology
For the upcoming 2018 model, the new S-Class will be receiving advanced self-driving features designed to handle more intricate situations. That includes bends, highway exits, junctions, roundabouts, and even toll booths, according to Mercedes. The car will automatically brake when it encounters these conditions. These new abilities will be executed by the use of map and navigation data, along with a combination of camera and sensor technologies.
The upcoming S-Class will be receiving the new vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications systems that debuted with the most recent E-Class. The driver will be informed of any dangerous road situations if another vehicle in the network detects anything hazardous. Information will be shown on the display map, or the driver can setup a voice warning, if desired. Lastly, the new S-Class will be fitted with a remote parking feature to help drivers park in tight spots by using a smartphone from outside of the vehicle.
The 2018 S-Class is set to make its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in just a few days. Want one?
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About MB’s New Self-Driving Tech
Via [Motor Authority]
