Distance control system
The driver assistance system for adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a significant advancement in the S-Class. ACC maintains the distance to the vehicle ahead and ensures the necessary safety interval. Once the driver sets the desired speed, everything else takes place almost automatically. When a vehicle appears ahead, ACC automatically reduces the speed.
Integrated distance sensors recognize the changes in distance to the vehicle ahead much faster than the driver. If a rear-end collision threatens, the activated ACC can apply the brakes quicker than the driver.
Advanced brake system
Continental's ESC MK25E5 brake control system uses four pressure sensors in addition to the master cylinder pressure sensor. The infinitely variable valves provide extremely sensitive brake pressures resulting in improved forward and side-to-side dynamics. This translates into shorter stopping distances and barely perceptible braking intervention and improved driving stability when maneuvering in hazardous situations.
The ESC system also has numerous added comfort and safety functions. These include a Hill Start Assist (automatic transmission) and automatic brake disc drying in wet weather. ABR Adaptive Brake, an electronic brake control system developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz for its new S-Class, implements a number of additional comfort functions.
The modular electronic stability control system includes the basic controller, anti-lock brake system (ABS), anti-slip control (ASC) and yaw rate controller (YRC). While ABS and ASC primarily improve the vehicle's forward dynamics, YRC controls its side-to-side dynamic response. In critical driving situations, ESC maintains the vehicle's stability or returns the vehicle to a stable condition within the range of physical possibilities through specific vehicle brake and engine management interventions.
Retractable brake booster
In a front-end collision Continental's tandem master cylinder (TMC) brake booster design offers increased protection against leg injuries. In a crash, the active brake booster with brake assist function and TMC with a torque damper retract the entire actuation unit through a rotational movement.
Electric parking brake
The electric parking brake (EPB) releases and sets the parking brake. An especially convenient feature is the Comfort-P release function integrated in the EPB. When driving away, the brake releases automatically without any manual intervention.
More driving comfort
The electronic ignition and starter switch (EIS), a central control unit within the DaimlerChrysler key interlock system, recognizes its driver instantly when approaching the vehicle. The seat control unit (SIT) is seamlessly connected to this control. Individual settings such as distance to the steering wheel, head support height, mirror position seat settings and other data are stored and retrieved from the computer memory as needed. This system makes it possible to automatically reset a predetermined seating position after a change of drivers.
The trunk lid control in the S-Class makes it convenient to open and close the luggage compartment. In addition to manual operation, pressing a button via the remote key or the control switch in the driver's door opens the trunk lid automatically.