9 safety tricks the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can do all by itself

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is helping pull the future closer. Call it autonomous driving, piloted driving, or assisted driving: The automobile is gradually taking over some of the chore of driving, and doing it with safety in mind. 

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes equipped with rafts of sensors, cameras, and algorithms that form a new safety net of features. These features are on call whenever needed, essentially running as an application in the E-Class' background. The E-Class has been tested with its piloted-driving hardware and software over the course of hundreds of miles. These are the most important pieces of new technology baked into the new sedan--and they make up a big piece of the future of the automobile, even though they're on the road today. 

Here are 9 Safety tricks that the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can do all by itself to protect you.

·         It can steer, accelerate, and brake for itself.

The E-Class combines data from anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, electronic power steering, in-car cameras, and radar sensors, to allow it to cruise largely without intervention. The E-Class still requires a driver to be present, and the driver must hold the steering wheel every 15 to 20 seconds; otherwise, the car will slow itself, flip on its hazard lights, and eventually come to a stop.

·         It can play a sound to warn you of a crash. 

When the E-Class senses an imminent accident, it plays a sound that can trigger a heightened human response, whether it's a reflexive move on the steering or brakes, or just a warning to take back the controls.

·         It pushes you out of harm's way.

The E-Class' side airbags include a function that inflates the door-side front airbag about 3 inches during an accident, which can push the passenger further from the point of impact.

·         It can park itself and unpark itself.

While the E-Class comes with a high-resolution set of surround-view cameras, it's not always easy to park in snug spots. With a smartphone app, the E-Class can park itself in parallel or perpendicular spots, using the car's control over steering, throttle, brakes, and information from its cameras and sensors.

·         It can change lanes, or help you do so.

Using its electric steering, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, the E-Class will change lanes by itself once the turn signal has been activated for 2 seconds.

·         It can stop you from hitting a car crossing an intersection.

It can apply the brakes if it detects a vehicle crossing the lanes ahead in oncoming traffic. 

·         It can help you steer away from an accident.

It can amplify steering inputs when it senses its driver is making evasive maneuvers.

·         It can alert you when you're drowsy. Attention Assist lights up a coffee cup on the gauges when steering movements indicate you're driving drowsy. If you're not hooked on the bean, Mountain Dew's an acceptable substitute.

·         It will be able to talk to other cars, to avoid each other.

Soon, the new E-Class will host car-to-X hardware that will emit and receives data about its surroundings. One day in the future, when those emitters are more common, a data network devoted to real-time accident prevention will start to form.

I hope these tips help you make your decision on purchasing a Mercedes-Benz E-Class! Check out our inventory of E-Class and contact us today to drive yours home!