You all know the feeling. It's 5:30 AM - time to get to work.  The early bird gets the worm; at least that's what you've been taught.  You're not completely awake; but that's nothing a Grande Caramel Macchiato w/ whole milk and a triple shot of espresso can't cure.  Heading down I75, feeling the caffeine seeping into your bloodstream, switching lanes to exit when suddenly, BAM - you just knocked a hippie kid and his Prius (both of whom had been hiding in your blind spot) into one of the trees he's been diligently attempting to save.

Thanks to a new Blind Spot Assist system from Mercedes, this scenario will soon cease to exist. 

Available on either the S-Class or CL-Class, the new system utilizes six short-range radar sensors which monitor both the sides and rear of the vehicle, alerting you by use of a red warning symbol in the exterior mirror glass should something be situated in your blind spots.  If, in your still-unawakened state, you fail to notice this warning and continue attempting to change lanes, when the turning indicator light is activated, the red symbol in the mirror will start to flash and an audible warning will sound, thus alerting you and saving the hippie and his Prius from an unfortunate and untimely demise.

Pricing for Blind Spot Assist (in Germany) is set between EUR 2594.20 and EUR 3391.50 (ex factory, including VAT), with the system being sold in conjunction with Mercedes' other radar based systems (such as DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, Brake Assist PLUS, PRE-SAFE brake and Parking Guidance).

For more info, keep reading for the official press release detailing the new Blind Spot Assist system.

Enjoy.







OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


New in the S-Class and CL-Class: Blind Spot Assist for yet greater safety when changing lanes

Stuttgart, Sep 26, 2007
Mercedes-Benz now offers a newly developed Blind Spot Assist system as an option for its S and CL-Class models, which is designed to help drivers when changing lanes.

Mercedes-Benz employs six short-range radar sensors for the new assistance system, which can be found in the front and rear bumpers. The sensors monitor the zone to the side and rear of the car on both the left and the right. In so doing, they cover the area known as the "blind spot" which drivers are unable to see in the exterior mirrors.

If the system detects another vehicle in the danger zone, a red warning symbol appears in the exterior mirror glass. This symbol informs the driver that it may be dangerous to change lanes. Should the driver ignore this warning and switch on the indicators, the red symbol in the mirror will start to flash and an audible warning will also sound.

Blind Spot Assist is offered for the S and CL-Class in conjunction with other radar-based assistance systems, such as DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, Brake Assist PLUS, the PRE-SAFE® brake and Parking Guidance. In Germany, this package is priced at between €2594.20 and €3391.50 (ex factory, incl. VAT).

Copyright © 2007, DaimlerChrysler AG