Active Lane Assist
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Active Lane Assist
It's almost impossible to really capture this feature on video but I tried.
It's really something else. I drove to PA yesterday and really had a chance to test these safety features out. If you are driving straight in the middle lane, and you flip your left single as if to pass in the fast lane, the car immediately accellerates. It is actually programmed to know when you intend to pass another vehicle. It does NOT do this if you flip the right signal since it is generally not allowed to pass on the right.
If your left or right wheels touch a solid line, the camera system picks it right up and brakes that front wheel (left or right) and you are steered back into the lane. Simply AMAZING...
Here are some videos I think you can view.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...78447597896952
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...14682348031703
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...46739578338637
It's really something else. I drove to PA yesterday and really had a chance to test these safety features out. If you are driving straight in the middle lane, and you flip your left single as if to pass in the fast lane, the car immediately accellerates. It is actually programmed to know when you intend to pass another vehicle. It does NOT do this if you flip the right signal since it is generally not allowed to pass on the right.
If your left or right wheels touch a solid line, the camera system picks it right up and brakes that front wheel (left or right) and you are steered back into the lane. Simply AMAZING...
Here are some videos I think you can view.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...78447597896952
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...14682348031703
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...46739578338637
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
S 550
The safety features are pretty cool. The first time I saw lane departure work was when we drove the new car home and my wife was driving the S class following me. She was messing with changing the radio station and saw her start to leave her lane and the car quickly pulled itself back into the lane. Didn't realize that it was the car that corrected itself until she told me after we got home.
The driving assist is awesome to see work in person. Feels a little strange at times when I am watching scenery go by and feel the steering wheel slightly turn on my behalf. Even better is when you take your hands off the wheel and the car continues to stay on course...but after 10 seconds reminds you to put your hands on the wheel.
Pretty cool to be in "stop and go" traffic with cruise control on and not have to touch the gas or brake pedals. Makes the drive a little more pleasant. And then as the OP mentioned, to turn the left turn signal on and IF the left lane is open the car will accelerate on its own (assuming you are going slower than the set cruise control speed) automatically bringing you back up to your desired/set speed.
Awesome car, looking forward to our first real road trip later this year.
The driving assist is awesome to see work in person. Feels a little strange at times when I am watching scenery go by and feel the steering wheel slightly turn on my behalf. Even better is when you take your hands off the wheel and the car continues to stay on course...but after 10 seconds reminds you to put your hands on the wheel.
Pretty cool to be in "stop and go" traffic with cruise control on and not have to touch the gas or brake pedals. Makes the drive a little more pleasant. And then as the OP mentioned, to turn the left turn signal on and IF the left lane is open the car will accelerate on its own (assuming you are going slower than the set cruise control speed) automatically bringing you back up to your desired/set speed.
Awesome car, looking forward to our first real road trip later this year.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Western PA
2010 GL550, 2009 SL600 RENNTECH, 2014 S63
It is an awesome system. I think it is amazing that the warning "thump- thump-thump" felt in the steering wheel is identical to what you would feel running over those centerline cuts that are on so many undivided roads (Remember- this is a fly-by-wire steering system!).
It can be a little irritating on tight country roads where the width is somewhat compromised between the lines. My only concern is that, at speed, not only does it brake, but it seems to reduce the throttle- not a quantity I would want if I were in a reactionary situation..But then again, it's why there is an off switch!
Happy New Year All!
Bruce
It can be a little irritating on tight country roads where the width is somewhat compromised between the lines. My only concern is that, at speed, not only does it brake, but it seems to reduce the throttle- not a quantity I would want if I were in a reactionary situation..But then again, it's why there is an off switch!
Happy New Year All!
Bruce
Last edited by investorsc; Jan 3, 2014 at 10:21 AM.
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You probably don't like ABS brakes or ESP either, what about electric windows...
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Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 96
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From: NYC
'01 S500 AMG Sport, ABC,Distronic,Rear Side Shades // '10 E350 P2, Pano, BLK/ALM,4MATIC Sport
Nice Feedback ! Quick question considering your vehicle is RWD is it equipped with MBC ? If so how is it on NYC roadways?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Chucky300, have you drove the car in icy or snow covered road conditions. The weather we are having here with black ice and solid snow where the lines are sounds like this feature could be a hazard. Personally when I change lanes for the car to accelerate on it's own when the signal is used would be a hazard also. Can this feature be turned off if weather less than perfect. Diesel Benz states it can be shut off. To DB in icy conditions the last thing you want your car to be doing is applying one brake to steer you back into the lane this could/would create an unstable car which could send you into a spin on slick surfaces.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
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From: NYC
2014 S550
On highways with bumps and quick approaching elevation and sudden return to flat (Road imperfections) - the car definitely is scanning and adjusting.
Speed Bumps on local roads, I've tried it and I don't consider it an improvement. That could be the tires, but in the videos I've seen, MB Promotes the feature with an open cup of juice which barely moves when going over a bump. That is misleading...
MBC comes with the Active Body Control. Thats the real game changer. You are flat in curves. Not to admit my speed on a public forum, "I am told" that taking a curve around a highway bend at north of 90mph would be as flat as if your car were parked in the driveway. Acceleration and braking is flat. No lurch, no dive, no pitch, nothing.
Personally, this is my 3rd S Class with ABC - (now with MBC) - i would not get an S without it. It's remarkable.
It's a shame 4matic and ABC can't be built together so that we can order the best of both worlds.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
Chucky300, have you drove the car in icy or snow covered road conditions. The weather we are having here with black ice and solid snow where the lines are sounds like this feature could be a hazard. Personally when I change lanes for the car to accelerate on it's own when the signal is used would be a hazard also. Can this feature be turned off if weather less than perfect. Diesel Benz states it can be shut off. To DB in icy conditions the last thing you want your car to be doing is applying one brake to steer you back into the lane this could/would create an unstable car which could send you into a spin on slick surfaces.
I can't even get my car out of its parking spot. It's absolutely positively 100% not for this kind of weather, unless you have 4matic - and Snow Tires. (I've got a buddy with All Seasons and 4matic, and its not that great either). Lets face it, no matter how sophisticated a car's traction control system, AWD System, etc - its the tires that meet the road. If those tires are not gripping, you are going to get into some trouble.
For the 3 months of off/on snowing - I chose to get the sports package plus 1 - an ABC/MBC. When there is no snow on the ground, this car handles like there is no tomorrow.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
As my car came closer to the white divider line, I got the first warning in my steering wheel, and looked up, and at that moment, the display showed a red marking and i instantly felt the car jerk back into the lane.
I assure you - the car is not "Taking the driving responsibility" from you. Consider it the airbag that is a last line of defense from disaster.
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
As for esp, I've managed without it on a 700rwhp mustang and aircooled 911, so I don't find much need for it in a luxury sedan.
electic windows have nothing to do with the driving experience.
Chucky, it sounds like it can be helpful on long trips and on busy commutes (changing radio stations and such). Either way, if the package is selectable, i probably would pass.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
ABS has its merits, but I generally try to avoid getting into abs anyway.
As for esp, I've managed without it on a 700rwhp mustang and aircooled 911, so I don't find much need for it in a luxury sedan.
electic windows have nothing to do with the driving experience.
Chucky, it sounds like it can be helpful on long trips and on busy commutes (changing radio stations and such). Either way, if the package is selectable, i probably would pass.
As for esp, I've managed without it on a 700rwhp mustang and aircooled 911, so I don't find much need for it in a luxury sedan.
electic windows have nothing to do with the driving experience.
Chucky, it sounds like it can be helpful on long trips and on busy commutes (changing radio stations and such). Either way, if the package is selectable, i probably would pass.
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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UNIMOG
Just came back from a roadtrip and I have to say that Active Lane Assist is REALLY annoying and possibly dangerous especially if you never felt it before. It never once went on when it was supposed to but ALWAYS when there was dip in the road.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 37
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From: Western PA
2010 GL550, 2009 SL600 RENNTECH, 2014 S63
I find that it is selective on reading the lines. IF they are weathered, covered by snow, ice, or even some non-skid (Northeast here)...it doesn't see them clearly. It is annoying, but has it's place if you allow yourself to be distracted.
Definitely an option I think you will love or hate.
Bruce
Definitely an option I think you will love or hate.
Bruce
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
Personally found nothing dangerous about the system.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
I find that it is selective on reading the lines. IF they are weathered, covered by snow, ice, or even some non-skid (Northeast here)...it doesn't see them clearly. It is annoying, but has it's place if you allow yourself to be distracted.
Definitely an option I think you will love or hate.
Bruce
Definitely an option I think you will love or hate.
Bruce
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
