While most of us were at home in front of our tv last night, Hollywood A-listers were out and about for Oscar night fun. With all the coverage of the 84th Academy Awards that aired last night, red carpet, behind the scenes, the Oscar show itself, a very important section was left out – what kind of cars the celebs came and left in. Had they shown this, you would have seen several Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and not just any Mercedes-Benz, eco-friendly ones.
When it comes to Mercedes-Benz vehicles and Hollywood, there is no shortage of ties especially with the availability of BlueTEC clean diesel and Hybrid vehicles that provide a luxurious ride with better fuel economy making them a GREEN choice for top stars moving around the car congested streets of Los Angeles during award season.
Last night, Mercedes-Benz concluded award season by hosting its annual exclusive invite-only viewing party at the Soho House in West Hollywood. Attendees included Claire Danes, James Franco, Jamie King, Rashida Jones, Bryan Cranston, Peter Facinelli, Gilles Marini, Maria Menounos and Max Azria.
Hollywood’s most notable talent who choose Mercedes-Benz for their green transportation include Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Golden Globe nominees Sofia Vergara and Bryan Cranston, 2011 Academy Award Best Actress Winner Natalie Portman, among others including Courteney Cox, Renee Zellweger, Diane Kruger, Freida Pinto and Dev Patel.
Mercedes-Benz offers 8 alternative powertrain vehicles in the U.S. from the all-new 2012 M-Class BlueTEC SUV to the popular S400 Hybrid, which is a top choice for many in the entertainment business that deal with daily city traffic. The S400 Hybrid includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop. When the S400 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational. When the brakes are released, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and works with the electric motor for seamless performance.
Mercedes-Benz kicked off award season as a title sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Festival and continues to make the rounds throughout the 2012 award season as the eco transportation of choice among a select group of actors and actresses.
According to Herbert Kohler, head of Daimler’s E-Drive and Future Mobility unit, Daimler is moving quickly on hybrid technologies and will offer hybrid versions of its Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class and S-class vehicles in the United States and Europe within three years. All this in an effort to meet tightening global fuel economy standards. “We have a leading position in the premium segment concerning alternative propulsion systems, and we will defend it,” Kohler said after a press event.
Another source at Daimler said the C-Class and E-Class hybrids will be launched in Europe before 2013 and the S-class plug-in hybrid will be launched in 2014, with the U.S. versions of the hybrid vehicles to follow six months later.
Currently Mercedes does not offer a plug-in version of its vehicles in the United States; instead, the Mercedes S400 is offered as a mild hybrid and the M-Class as a full hybrid. To differentiate, a mild hybrid uses an electric motor and acts as a start/stop system, but the electric motor does not drive the vehicle by itself, whereas a full hybrid can be driven short distances using the electric motor.
As the official vehicle of the 22nd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, Mercedes-Benz provided environmentally friendly luxury vehicles for Hollywood’s elite. The Festival, which runs from January 6-17, 2011, starts the winter awards season with a spectacular program of films and a celebrity filled red-carpet gala.
The two week celebration of films kicked-off with the Gala Awards Dinner on January 8th, where celebrity presenters and honorees such as Amy Adams, Mark Wahlberg, Natalie Portman, Colin Firth, Carey Mulligan, Helen Mirren, Taylor Hackford, Aaron Eckhart, Oliver Stone, James Franco, Amy Ryan, Rashida Jones and Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Ben Affleck, Robert Duvall, director David O Russell (The Fighter), Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and songwriter Diane Warren (Burlesque) were driven in Mercedes-Benz 2011 S400 HYBRID luxury sedans.
“For the eighth consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz is proud to support the festival and the Palm Springs International Film Society as a sponsor and official vehicle,” says Jill Martinette, Mercedes-Benz Regional Marketing Manager. “The start of the festival season sets a perfect backdrop to present an environmentally friendly vehicle like the S400 Hybrid. As our flagship sedan, it’s the ideal blend of luxury, safety and technology, which continues to gain a loyal following with Hollywood’s eco conscious stylish set.”
The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery in a production vehicle. The 275-hp V6 gasoline engine provides impressive fuel economy with an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Mercedes-Benz offers a selection of hybrids and BlueTEC clean diesel vehicles, ranging from four door sedans to seven-passenger SUVs and 14 passenger vans. Throughout the two week festival, Mercedes-Benz is displaying several additional eco-friendly vehicles including the C350 Sedan, GLK350 SUV and E350 Cabriolet. Built with 85 percent recyclable materials, all are powered by highly efficient V6 engines that achieve the California Air Resources Board’s most stringent exhaust rating as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV).
Mercedes-Benz eco-friendly line-up are already the vehicles of choice for many of Hollywood’s elite. Individuals such as Demi Moore, Gerard Butler, Simon Baker, Toby Maguire and Katharine McPhee among others are choosing Mercedes-Benz because it offers safety and technology with solid environmental credentials without sacrificing luxury. These vehicles range from the S400 HYBRID luxury sedan to the ML450 HYBRID mid-size SUV. Also popular are the clean diesel BlueTEC sedans and SUVs like the E350 BlueTEC and the R, ML and GL350 BlueTEC.
In 2011, Mercedes-Benz celebrates 125 years of the automobile and its future. It was Carl Benz’s patent of the automobile that occurred around the same time as the invention of motion pictures. No one knew the impact that these inventions would have on society, but now more than a century later, Hollywood and Mercedes-Benz are synonymous with glamour and luxury. Both share a rich and inspirational history together – in front of the camera and behind the scenes
About the 22nd Annual Awards Gala
The Festival’s 22nd Annual Awards Gala, presented by Cartier and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight and Mercedes-Benz, kicked off the 2011 awards season at the Palm Springs Convention Center on January 8th. Hosted by “Entertainment Tonight’s” Mary Hart, the Awards Gala honored Academy Award winners Robert Duvall with the Career Achievement Award; Academy Award winner Javier Bardem with the International Star Award; Colin Firth and Natalie Portman will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Actor and Actress Award; Danny Boyle with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award; Academy Award-nominated director David O Russell with its Director of the Year Award, Carey Mulligan the Breakthrough Performance Award; Ben Affleck with the Chairman’s Award:Diane Warren with its Frederick Loewe Award for Film Composing for “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” from Burlesque; and Jennifer Lawrence with the Rising Star Award. The film’s director, David Fincher will also present the Ensemble Performance Award to the cast of The Social Network, including Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer and Rooney Mara, who all attended.
About the Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 130,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival runs January 6-17, 2011. Founded in 1990 by then-Mayor Sonny Bono, the movie PSIFF line-up will include over 400 screenings of more than 200 films from approximately 60 countries. The Festival presents a majority of the films submitted for consideration in the Best Foreign Language category for the Academy Awards, as well as a large number of American independent and international features and documentaries marking their world, North American or U.S. debuts. Screenings are held on 15 screens throughout Palm Springs. Screening information can be found at
As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA that it is a driving force behind the USTA’s commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament.
As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatched its F-CELL hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 HYBRID vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament. The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year. In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste. In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin.
“We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet. By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.”
MERCEDES-BENZ S400 HYBRID
The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway making it the clear GREEN choice for the US Open transportation fleet.
An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The Mercedes-Benz hybrid credit for the S400H is $1150. The current tax credit for the S400 HYBRID is $1150.
MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL
Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL has a range of about 240 miles refueling with refueling taking only a few minutes. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-CELL boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 71.3 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-CELL’s only emission.
Mercedes-Benz offers two innovative hybrid models for the 2011 model year – the S400 HYBRID premium luxury sedan and the ML450 HYBRID sport utility vehicle. Hybrid power is one of several fuel-efficient choices offered by Mercedes-Benz, the global leader in diesel passenger cars. In addition to an entire generation of super-clean, quiet BlueTEC diesel cars, Mercedes-Benz also leads the industry in development of fuel cell vehicles and offers cars powered by compressed natural gas in a number of global markets.
Characterized as a “mild hybrid,” the S400 HYBRID (335 total hp, 381 lb.-ft. of torque) comes with the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery powers a 20-horsepower electric motor, which works with a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide impressive fuel economy.
On the SUV side of the Mercedes-Benz family, the ML450 HYBRID comes with two electric motors and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that work together to provide impressive hybrid power with fuel economy estimated at 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway.
Hybrids Ideal For Atkinson-Cycle Engine
On both hybrids, Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for good fuel economy by taking advantage of the Atkinson principle. By delaying the closing of each intake valve, the intake stroke effectively becomes longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Although Atkinson engines inherently produce less low-speed torque and throttle response, they are ideal for hybrid vehicles because the electric motor compensates for this disadvantage by working with the gasoline engine to provide excellent throttle response on acceleration. The Atkinson-cycle V6 has different cylinder heads, pistons and camshafts as well as modified variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump for good fuel economy.
30 Percent Better Fuel Economy with S400 HYBRID
The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID uses the V6 gasoline engine, a magneto-electric motor and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable S550 model. Not only does the electric motor make 20 horsepower, but it also produces an impressive starting torque of 118 lb.-ft., while the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.
Light, Powerful Lithium-Ion Battery
The 120-volt lithium-ion battery weighs less than most other batteries and takes up less space, but has high energy density for its size. As a result, it can be installed in the engine compartment, so the car’s ample trunk capacity and spacious interior are not affected. The lithium-ion battery has a high-strength steel housing, a separate cooling circuit, and its cells sit in a special gel that dampens jolts and vibration.
Strong Electric Motor Provides Many Benefits
Characterized as a “mild hybrid,” the S400 HYBRID gasoline engine and electric motor work together for responsive performance, and its driveline includes a specially configured seven-speed automatic transmission, a transformer to power the 12-volt vehicle system and intelligent operating electronics. Acting both as the starter and generator, the disc-shaped electric motor is mounted in the torque converter housing, between the engine and transmission. A 120-volt, three-phase AC external-rotor magneto motor, its high torque is especially significant during acceleration, which is otherwise one of the highest fuel consumption modes. The electric motor also helps to dampen drivetrain noise and vibration, which means even better ride comfort.
The S400 HYBRID accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Fuel economy is even better than an S-Class sedan powered only by a conventional V6 engine, and CO2 emissions are 21 percent lower.
A Fuel-Saving Start-Stop Feature
The hybrid system includes a fuel-saving start-stop feature that turns off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop. When the S400 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational.
As soon as the driver releases the brakes or touches the gas pedal, the gasoline engine starts immediately, and works with the electric motor for good performance. Since the direct-drive electric motor operates at a much higher speed than a conventional geared starter motor, the engine starts instantly and imperceptibly, also avoiding the usually high exhaust emissions during a conventional starting mode.
It Even Recycles Energy
During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering kinetic energy and storing it in the lithium-ion battery. Under heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the electric motor is running.
During deceleration with no braking, the electric motor already acts as a generator, recovering energy and helping to slow the car. When the driver just touches the brake pedal, the generator output increases, which feels like heavier braking. Only when more brake pedal pressure is applied do the conventional wheel brakes come into action. These three stages are controlled seamlessly, so the driver perceives the system simply as smooth, responsive braking.
Cleverly Located Controls
Alternating current from the three-phase motor is converted into 120-volt direct current in a converter located where the starter motor used to go. Because the current flow sometimes measures as high as 150 amperes, the system is equipped with its own cooling circuit. A transformer in the right front wheel powers an on-board 12-volt system, which includes a conventional lead-acid battery in the trunk with convenient jump leads. Since most transmission oil pumps are engine-driven, an electric auxiliary oil pump ensures lubrication of the transmission in driving modes when the gasoline engine is off.
The S400 HYBRID has the same interior room, luxury and convenience features as other S-Class vehicles. The model is differentiated by unique seven-twin-spoke 18-inch wheels and HYBRID logos on the trunk lid and dash as well as BlueEfficency badging on the front fenders. A special hybrid pictogram within the speedometer shows the energy flow, energy recovery and battery charge.
The ML450 HYBRID Boasts 30 Percent Better Fuel Economy
Considered a “full hybrid,” the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses the V6 gasoline engine, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce more than 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550.
Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque. Located closer to the gasoline engine, the other electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque.
Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s hidden under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.
During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for surprisingly good performance. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine – for example, when coasting up to a red light – and re-starts it during acceleration.
When the ML450 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational. A Silent Start function provides noiseless starting of the gasoline engine.
During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SUV and recovering kinetic energy. Under heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the car runs only on the electric motors.
The ML450 HYBRID is differentiated by a HYBRID logo on the rear lift gate, a revised front hood with two power domes and unique five-twin-spoke 19-inch wheels. However, the HYBRID has the same interior room, convenience and safety features as other M-Class vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC clean diesel technology, a Hollywood veteran for luxury eco-chic transportation, is getting support from a cast of new environmentally friendly vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz 2010 S400 HYBRID luxury sedan and ML450 HYBRID SUV. The expansion of Mercedes-Benz eco line-up is making it easy for celebs to have green transportation by offering the best of both worlds: supreme luxury, safety, and technology with solid environmental credentials.
S400 HYBRID
The new Mercedes-Benz 2010 S400 HYBRID luxury sedan is the vehicle of choice for A-list actors including Robert Downey Jr, who drove the luxury sedan when off-camera while shooting his upcoming film Due Date, and Gerard Butler, among others. The S400 Hybrid made its rounds during the award season as, the chic transportation choice among a select group of celebs in the know.
The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery in a production hybrid vehicle and the 275-hp V6 gasoline engine provides an impressive estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The ML450 HYBRID mid-size SUV uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model, and is the vehicle of choice for international pop star Miley Cyrus.
BlueTEC clean diesel
Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC and ML Hybrid vehicles combine a smooth, quiet ride with fuel efficiency that delivers 20-30 percent higher fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine making it the GREEN choice for a number of Hollywood’s elite including Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler, Rosario Dawson, Christina Applegate, Molly Sims, Giles Marini, Felicity Huffman among others.
Today, Mercedes-Benz offers three BlueTEC SUVs – the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC – and, will soon add the E350 BlueTEC sedan this fall. The term “BlueTEC” is derived from the innovative AdBlue process that dramatically reduces emissions and enables the diesel V6 engines to meet the stringent emissions standards of all 50 States. According to the EPA, the nation would save 1.4 million barrels of oil a day if just one third of all light-duty vehicles in the USA were state-of-the-art diesel vehicles.
An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC and Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The current Diesel Tax Credits for owners of a 2009/10 Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC are $1,800 for the GL320/GL350; $1,550 for the R320/R350; and $900 for the ML320/ML350. Mercedes-Benz hybrid credits are $2200 for the ML450 and $1150 for the S400.
For 2010 Mercedes-Benz plans to offer a limited number of B-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicles available for lease in California. Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-Cell has a range of about 240 miles before needing refueling. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-Cell boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-Cell’s only emission.
** On a side note, I nor any or of the staff here at eMercedesBenz endorse purchasing a vehicle based on what celebrity may or may not be driving them. When it comes to selecting a new car, SUV, etc., base your decisions on your own experiences with the model through test drives and dealer demonstrations, talk to other owners and gain their real world insight about the model, and most importantly, forget Hollywood. It won’t take Robert Downey Jr. to convince you the S400 Hybrid is the best luxury hybrid sedan on the market.
The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID, the B 180 NGT and the smart mhd (micro hybrid drive) are the most environmentally friendly automobiles in their class. These are the findings from extensive analyses conducted by the independent experts at the internationally well-known environmental institute Öko-Trend.
As an institute for environmental research, Öko-Trend has developed criteria for the objective evaluation of the environmental compatibility of consumer goods. The experts at this neutral institute apply high standards during the assessment of automobiles. The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID, the B 180 NGT and the smart mhd (micro hybrid drive) have achieved results that are well above the average. In the view of the Institute, they not only deliver excellent results in terms of fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise, but also excel by virtue of environmentally compatible production, choice of materials and logistics. They also feature particularly environmentally compatible systems such as a start/stop function and hybrid or natural gas drive.
In the assessment of these experts, the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID is the most environmentally compatible car in the luxury class. With its combination of a 205 kW (279 hp) six-cylinder petrol engine and a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor, plus an automatic start/stop function, this premium saloon has a fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. It therefore demonstrates that even in the luxury class, environmental protection is by no means an alien concept.
In the ranking by CARB (California Air Resources Board), regarding the Global Warming Potential, theS 400 HYBRID also performed outstandingly with nine of the ten maximum points. Accordingly CARB has given the premium saloon a top place in its list of buying recommendations for environmentally efficient automobiles.
Inthe analysis by the environmental institute Öko-Trend in the Compact Vans category the Mercedes-Benz B 180 NGT with bifuel drive achieved the highest ranking as the most environmentally compatible model. This natural gas variant of the B-Class lowers fuel consumption, emissions and fuel costs.
The smart fortwo mhd (micro hybrid drive) convertible was the winner in the Convertible/Roadster category according to the stringent environmental criteria of the Eco-Institute. The automatic start/stop function switches the engine off when the driver brakes and the vehicle speed falls below 8 km/h. It is restarted in fractions of a second when the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal again. This makes fuel savings of up to 20 percent possible in city traffic.
The “Öko-Trend Institute for Environmental Research” founded by the University of Wuppertal has already been publishing research results about the environmental compatibility of car models since 1997 (www.oeko-trend.de).
Following in the tradition of its non-hybrid S-Class brethren, the new Mercedes S400 HYBRID has been awarded an environmental certificate by the technical inspection authority TÜV Süd. Other Mercedes models that have received the award include the A-, B-, C-, E- and GLK-Class models.
To arrive at their final decision, technical inspection authority TÜV examined more than 40,000 individual processes, all of which helped went towards the construction of an eco-profile for the model. In addition, TÜV examiners then assessed both the production and eventual recycling/disposal of the model, with this analysis factoring into the final verdict as to whether or not the environmental certificate would be awarded.
In the end, taking the entire lifecycle into consideration (namely production, operation for 300,000 kilometres and recycling/disposal), the S 400 HYBRID produces 18 percent lower CO2emissions than the comparative model. This saving per vehicle corresponds to roughly 1.6 times the annual per capita emissions of the average European*. The lower requirement for energy resources caused by the lower fuel consumption during the operating phase leads to a 17-percent reduction in the primary energy requirement, or around 7000 litres of petrol.
The ESF 2009 is the first Experimental Safety Vehicle Mercedes-Benz has built since 1974. Like its historic predecessors, it attractively combines trailblazing innovations in the field of safety and makes the progress achieved visible. Integrating all the ideas and implementing them for a clear appreciation was an extraordinary challenge for the team in the test vehicle workshops.
The go-ahead for the ESF was given in October 2008, and the decision was received with great enthusiasm in the test workshop: “Making safety visible – I was quickly able to assemble a highly qualified team for this interesting project”, says Axel Wittig, the team leader for the entire workshop facility. “The complexity of this assignment was a welcome challenge, as we not only had to integrate the numerous innovations into an S 400 HYBRID, but also make them fully functioning in demonstration mode and provide a look behind the technical scenes by incorporating eight inspection windows in the bonnet, bumpers and doors.”
The core workshop team for the ESF 2009, headed by coordinator and facilitator Hans Peter Hiller, consisted of three model-builders and two electricians. The team was supported by Jürgen Arnold, who took care of the electrical engineering, and designer Matthias Rissmann, who e.g. prepared the body apertures for the inspection windows. It was only possible to keep to the ambitious time-plan because countless internal (from the upholstery specialists in Design to production engineering) and external suppliers gave rapid and unbureaucratic assistance. “The great enthusiasm for the core Mercedes expertise of safety could be felt at all times”, project manager Michael Fehring remembers: “The ‘Daimler spirit’ ensured rapid decisions without time-consuming consultation processes.” Sheer fascination for technology also played an important part. The chance to take a look into a radar sensor, which is normally only supplied as a ‘black box’ but was in this case integrated into the front bumper in a cutaway state, attracted many an engineer who was not involved in the project into the workshop bay for the ESF 2009.
The complexity of this project, which involved the integration of 13 safety innovations into the hybrid version of the S-Class that only existed as a prototype when the work started, is already shown by the fact that a completely new wiring harness had to be designed and produced. At the heart of the demonstration technology is a divided compressed air tank in the boot, with a compressor and external power supply, which provides the airbags and the air chambers for PRE-SAFE Pulse and Interseat Protection with air. The finishing touch for the ESF 2009 is a central remote control system for all the functioning demonstrations.
The result of all this work was two experimental vehicles in the special ESF paint finish, which includes black-painted chrome trim and reflective strips on the door seals and tyres: the actual ESF 2009 and its externally identical brother, which can be used for driving and photographic purposes.
Interview with Prof. Dr. Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Safety Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Prof. Dr. Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg was born on 30 October 1959, studied aerospace engineering and obtained his doctorate at the Technical University of Berlin. He holds an honorary professorship at the College of Technologyand Business Economics (HTW) in Dresden. He has been active as the head of the centre for safety/vehicle functions at Mercedes-Benz since April 1999. It was under his aegis that the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®entered series production in 2002, with which Mercedes-Benz started a new era in vehicle safety. Here are some of Prof. Schöneburg’s comments on the ESF 2009 experimental safety vehicle.
Question: Prof. Schöneburg, during the period from 1971 to 1974 Mercedes-Benz presented four Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESFs) to the public. Then there was silence. Why?
Prof. Schöneburg: At the end of the 60s, vehicle safety suddenly became a focus of public attention. In 1969 the Mercedes-Benz Safety Centerwas founded in Sindelfingen. Numerous developments were initiated, ranging from active safety with ABS and ESP® to fundamental improvements in vehicle structures and innovative restraint systems such as the airbag. All of these were tested and presented in our ESFs, and from the mid-70s more and more of these innovations reached series production maturity. Accordingly they were subsequently presented with the launch of new series production models.
Question: So why are you presenting another research vehicle now, the ESF 2009?
Prof. Schöneburg: Both in-house and externally, the large number of safety features that we already have in our series production cars has created the impression that we do not have much more to offer in this respect. This impression is quite wrong – we have a wealth of ideas on how safety might be improved still further. Some of these can be realised within a relatively short time, for example PRE-SAFE® for rear-end collisions. Other concepts like the inflatable metal sections in PRE-SAFE Structure lie well in the future. And with Interactive Vehicle Communication we are only just starting to develop a completely new field. The ESF 2009 comprehensively offers up all these perspectives. Moreover, our intention was to send out certain signals for the ESV Conference, which is being held in Stuttgart for the first time since 1971.
Question: What is particularly special about the ESF 2009?
Prof. Schöneburg: As with the ESFs of the 1970s, this is a comprehensive embodiment of our safety philosophy. The primary aim is to prevent accidents in the first place. Where this is not possible, the aim is to mitigate their effects. Moreover, we want to approach both of these goals without increasing the vehicle’s weight, restricting its practicality or compromising the autonomy of the driver. He or she bears the final responsibility – and the car should provide support in the process.
Question: What new ideas have been incorporated into the ESF 2009 to prevent accidents where possible?
Prof. Schöneburg: These start with the concept of “seeing and being seen”. The LED headlamps of the ESF2009 not only illuminate the road further and more efficiently, but also ensure that other detected road users are not dazzled in the process. The Spotlight function is something quite new: it precisely pinpoints obstacles or objects that have been recognised by the infrared Nightvision camera. Thanks to new reflective strips on the sides, which leave the body design unaffected during daytime, the ESF 2009 is also much more easily visible to other road users in the dark. One technology which we think has tremendous potential for the next few years and decades is car-to-car communication. This makes it possible to warn drivers of hazards on their route as the situation requires.
Question: In addition to highly developed restraint systems, Mercedes cars with PRE-SAFE ® have a preventive safety system that can recognise an impending accident and mitigate its effects with numerous actions right up to automatic emergency braking. Is it still possible to make significant improvements to this already high standard?
Prof. Schöneburg: Yes indeed. The basis for PRE-SAFE®is a network of onboard sensors and systems, and this is where we still have plenty of ideas for further developments. Take side impacts as an example: with the help of air chambers in the seats, it would be possible to move the passengers away from the danger zone to some extent. We have already spoken about improvements where rear-end collisions are concerned. And the Braking Bag is a completely new approach to scrubbing off energy before an impact occurs.
Question: At first glance this is a crazy idea – using an airbag under the car to force a high-friction coating against the road surface as an auxiliary brake…
Prof. Schöneburg: …certainly unusual, but by no means crazy. Initial trials of the principle have shown this idea to have considerable potential. In the next few years we intend to research and develop this potential further.
Yesterday we brought word of a new concept vehicle based on the new Mercedes S400 Hybrid, and today, Daimler has officially unveiled the model along with a lengthy description. It’s called the Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle, and it’s the first safety vehicle to be built by the company since 1974. In total, the Mercedes ESF 2009 features more than twelve safety systems, the majority of which are fully functioning.
According to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Safety is a central element of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In this respect we have been setting the pace in the market for almost 70 years. For the benefit of our customers and for road users in general. The ESF 2009 shows that we still have plenty of ideas and the absolute will, to lead the automobile industry in this field even in future.”
To detail the model, Daimler has published a numerous part press kit and roughly 60 photos, so rather than attempt to paraphrase the exceptionally lengthy content, I’m going to let the press material take it from here. It’s truly a fascinating concept, so stay tuned to see where the future of Mercedes-Benz vehicle safety is headed.
PRE-SAFE Structure: It sounds like science-fiction – concealed metallic structures that wait patiently in a collapsed, space-saving state until they are required to go into action. Daimler researchers working together with the gas generator specialists at Autoliv spent two years actively researching such active metal support systems, and tested a variety of applications. For the very first time, inflatable metal side impact protection can be seen in the ESF 2009.
Imagine an inflatable mattress. When it is not needed, it is rolled up flat and e.g. consigned to a shelf in the attic. When inflated, however, it has a highly resistant structure that can easily carry a man weighing 100 kilograms. Inflatable metallic structures work in the same way: when not in use, the metal section is folded together to save space. Once its protective effect is needed, a gas generator just like those used to inflate airbags builds up an internal pressure of 10 to 20 bar within fractions of a second, the metal section is unfolded and the structure has significantly greater stability.
The advantages are obvious, and mainly involve packaging and weight: more stable structures can be accommodated within the increasingly tight installation spaces of an automobile, or weight can be greatly reduced while maintaining the same stability. Using the example of the side impact protection member in the doors of the S-Class, the researchers have calculated that around 500 grams less weight per door would be feasible.
Daimler safety researchers examined various applications for these innovative, crash-responsive metal structures, among them side impact protection, the side skirts and the seat cross-members. These have the advantage of being several centimetres away from the impact zone. The gas generator therefore only needs to be activated when a crash has definitely taken place.
One of the still unsolved problems of these protective members is that unlike the PRE-SAFE® measures already in series production, their active deformation is not reversible. Moreover, the activation of protective members installed well to the outside of the bodyshell that can be inflated by internal pressure requires their deployment before the crash. The pre-crash sensor system must therefore provide highly reliable signals.
Another hurdle is the currently still uncompetitive cost level of the required gas generators in relation to the cost requirements for weight-saving measures. These crash-responsive metal structures are therefore still a thing of the future – but the same was also once true of standard safety features like the airbag, ABS or ESP®.
Braking Bag: a braking parachute for the car
Airbags in cars have previously only been used as a restraint system for the occupants. In the future they might also be a PRE-CRASH- component, activating an auxiliary brake in the vehicle floor and improving both deceleration and compatibility with the other vehicle involved in the accident.
Energy is not only reducible by braking the road wheels: jet fighters and dragsters use braking parachutes, for example. And as early as 1952, Mercedes-Benz was already experimenting with an air-brake at the Le Mans race: when decelerating, the driver was able to move a metal panel on the roof of his racing SL to a vertical position. Even earlier, coachmen used special wheel chocks. These were placed in front of one of both rear wheels on long downhill gradients, and their iron-clad base helped to brake the vehicle during the descent.
This is an old idea that Mercedes safety researchers have revitalised on a similar principle with the Braking Bag, an airbag installed between the front axle carrier and the underbody panelling. If the sensor system concludes that an impact is inevitable, the PRE-SAFE® system not only initiates automatic emergency braking. At the same time the Braking Bag is deployed just before the crash, supporting the car against the road surface by means of a friction coating. The vehicle’s vertical acceleration increases the friction and has an additional braking effect before the impact. The Braking Bag uses the PRE-CRASH sensors in Mercedes-Benz cars, which are already able to initiate preventive occupant protection measures in critical driving situations.
There are several advantages to this unusual auxiliary brake:
All in all, the braking airbag has the effect of an additional crumple zone. Mercedes engineers have calculated that even at a low 50 km/h, the additional deceleration has the same effect as lengthening the front end by 180 mm. Initial driving tests in a C-Class have already shown the effectiveness of this new auxiliary brake – though it will still be some time before the Braking Bag becomes another component of the PRE-SAFE® system.
Interactive Vehicle Communication: cars report what their sensors have detected
Cars sometimes know more about their surroundings than their drivers. With the help of intelligent communication systems, vehicles themselves are able to contribute to improved road safety and mobility.
A patch of black ice on the next bend? A bank of fog three kilometres down the road? A new traffic tailback where roadworks are being carried out? What used to come as an unpleasant surprise is far less frightening if the approaching driver receives an up-to-date is warning beforehand. This is a task that will in future be carried out by the other vehicles on the roads at the time – automatically, by radio. This is the basic idea behind Interactive Vehicle Communication.
Cars are nowadays able to collect a great deal of information about the current driving situation, as the numerous sensors, cameras and control units for the dynamic and assistance systems can register e.g. poor weather conditions just as well as sudden braking and avoiding manoeuvres, or broken-down vehicles on the road. There are also other sources of information, for example local police reports. This information can be passed on via additional relay stations (“car-to-x”) such as radio masts at the roadside, stationary nodal points (e.g. traffic centres and overhead gantries) or via the internet. The onboard computer classifies all the reports according to plausibility and relevance. Tailback reports on the radio which are out-of-date or irrelevant to the individual driver will then be a thing of the past.
Mercedes engineers have been working on “Interactive Vehicle Communication” as a technology of the future for more than seven years. The ESF 2009 safety concept vehicle demonstrates the current status of this research: this Mercedes can automatically recognise an approaching police car, for example, and warn its driver by showing a symbol in the display. It is also possible to send and receive warnings of bad weather or obstacles in the road.
The exchange of data between vehicles is via so-called “ad hoc” networks, connections that are spontaneously formed between the vehicles over short distances. These wireless local area networks (WLANs) are self-organising, and require no external infrastructure. Transmission and reception is at a frequency of 5.9 gigahertz, over a distance of up to 500 metres. In fact the achievable communication range is much greater, as oncoming vehicles pass the messages on.
Cars that communicate with each other can do more than just pass on information: linked to modern proximity control systems such as DISTRONIC Plus from Mercedes-Benz, they can help to harmonise the traffic flow and avoid tailbacks by automatically selecting the most suitable vehicle speed when joining a motorway. And collisions can be avoided if onboard sensors recognise an impending accident and automatically regulate the distance.
This technology is currently demonstrating its practicality in the “Safe Intelligent Mobility – Test area Germany” project (simTD), in which Mercedes-Benz and other German manufacturers and suppliers are taking part. Up to 400 vehicles communicate with each other in these, the world’s largest field trials for Interactive Vehicle Communication. simTD is being conducted in the densely populated Frankfurt/Rhine-Main area from autumn 2008 to 2012. Experts expect usable mobile information networks with full coverage to become a possibility when around ten percent of all vehicles have this communications capability.
With the multiple award-winning PRE-SAFE® system, Mercedes-Benz has once again been underlining its role as a pioneer in the safety field since 2002: once the system recognises certain critical driving situations, PRE-SAFE® activates occupant protection measures as a precaution. As a further development, PRE-SAFE Pulse is able to reduce the loads acting on the torsos of the occupants by around one third during a side impact by preventively moving them towards the centre of the vehicle.
Out of harm’s way – every millimetre counts during an accident. When an impending lateral collision is recognised, PRE-SAFE Pulse as an active restraint system moves the driver and front passenger towards the centre of the vehicle, using air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests. If the onboard sensors report that a side impact is inevitable, these are inflated within fractions of a second and give the seat occupants a slight nudge in the ribs. This impulse is enough to move them out of the danger zone by up to 50 millimetres. Even before the accident, it also accelerates the seat occupant in the direction he/she will later take during the accident. This reduces the loads acting on the occupant during the impact. The seat does not need to be replaced or repaired when this preventive safety system has been activated, as PRE-SAFE Pulse is reversible.
PRE-SAFE Pulse is being developed on the basis of the dynamic multicontour seat in the new Mercedes E-Class. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and speed, the inflation pressure and volume of the air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests are already varied to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support.
Partial main beam: full beam ahead at all times
Whether as brake lights and indicators in many Mercedes models, or as daytime driving lights in the new E and S-Class, LED lighting technology is seeing increasing use at Mercedes-Benz. And things will be brightening up at night as well in future: Mercedes lighting specialists are working on an adaptive LED main beam system that automatically excludes oncoming traffic from the cone of light. A special spotlight function also allows potential hazards to receive additional illumination.
Main beam, low beam, main beam… anybody travelling on country roads in western Europe at night is seldom able to drive with the main beams on for very long. The frequency of oncoming traffic dictates that the driver is soon obliged to switch to low beam, either manually or more conveniently using the Main Beam Assist in the new Mercedes E-Class. This is not enough to satisfy the researchers at Mercedes-Benz, however. Because during the phases when the driver switches to low beam – with its shorter range – to avoid dazzling others, it is possible to overlook other road users or potential hazards.
The lighting specialists at Mercedes-Benz are therefore working on an LED-based adaptive main beam system. This enables the driver to leave the main beams switched on constantly. As soon as the system detects oncoming traffic with the help of a camera, it automatically adjusts the light distribution accordingly. The Mercedes ESF 2009 experimental safety vehicle shows precisely how this works. A headlamp is made up of 100 LEDs. These semiconductor elements can be individually activated, so that when there is oncoming traffic, the precise beam area in which other road users are located can be darkened down. The system recognises these using an infrared camera. The purely electronic module is also able to respond much faster than present electro-mechanical shutter/roller assemblies.
The light distribution can also be refined in the opposite direction: a special spotlight function in the LED array of the research vehicle also enables potential hazards to be highlighted. If the infrared camera detects pedestrians in the road ahead, for example, they can be briefly lit up beyond the normal main beam illumination, as if by an aimed spotlight. The driver is thus alerted to the potential danger.
Side Reflect: not all Mercedes are grey at night
Reflective material on the body and tyres could further improve the lateral visibility of vehicles, and help to avoid accidents at road junctions.
Reflective materials have long been commonplace in children’s clothing, and in the case of bicycles it is even mandatory to have reflectors in the wheel spokes. So the engineers at Mercedes-Benz asked themselves why the perceptual safety of cars could not be improved in the same way. Accordingly the ESF 2009 research car features appropriate reflective elements when viewed from the side. These modifications are not visible during the daytime, but the additional benefit shows up when dusk and darkness fall.
Together with the manufacturer Continental, Mercedes specialists have developed a reflective strip on the tyres which visually enlarges the wheels in daylight and creates an easily visible band of light when illuminated at night. As a further safety feature there are reflective seals between the doors and the roof, a joint development with the adhesive foil specialist 3M. The aim is to make the vehicle’s silhouette more easily visible in the dark. This enables potential accident situations on junctions or in the form of unlit, parked vehicles to be defused.
Reflective foils consist if a reflective base layer with tiny balls of glass. When a ray of light hits the foil, it is refracted by the glass balls, reflected by the base layer and refracted again on exiting. As a result, most of the light is reflected back in its original direction.
Belt Bag: a clever combination of a seat belt and airbag
The seat belt is regarded as one of the most important inventions of the 20th Century, and has saved countless lives. It has been further improved with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, but that is not the end of its development: an innovative extension to the width of the belt, known as a Belt Bag, is able to reduce the risk of injury even further in an accident.
When a seat belt limits the movement of its wearer’s torso as intended during a collision, it subjects the body to considerable forces. The Belt Bag, on whose development Mercedes-Benz is working intensively with the seat belt specialist Autoliv, practically doubles its width within fractions of a second during an accident. This increase in the width of the belt spreads the pressure over a wider area, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This is particularly beneficial for older passengers, whose ribcage is no longer so flexible.
As the name suggests, the Belt Bag is a combination of a seat belt and airbag. When the crash sensors detect a serious impact, the airbag control unit activates the Belt Bag. A generator at the belt armature inflates the double-layered belt, which has Velcro seams. The volume of the Belt Bag is around four litres. The developers consider the Belt Bag to deliver the greatest benefits in the rear of the car, where conventional airbags cannot be installed. It is therefore conceivable that the Belt Bag could be used here by Mercedes-Benz in the foreseeable future.
Mercedes engineers have thought about how children might travel even more safely in a car. The two major advantages of the Mercedes concept study “Child Protect” over conventional child safety seats are an improved protective effect and greater comfort for the child. This is accompanied by a high level of quality and attractive visual integration of the seat into the interior of Mercedes models. This system jointly designed with the restraint system specialist Takata is suitable for children aged between three and 12 years (weight categories II and III). One special feature is its modular construction, as the height and width can be individually adapted to the child’s physical proportions.
“Child Protect” has a tubular frame construction. This design offers better support and greater rigidity than versions of moulded plastic during a side impact. The prominent side bolsters in the shoulder and head area keep the child in place and minimise body movement during an accident. At the same time they prevent the child from coming into contact with vehicle components penetrating into the interior, or with the passenger in the adjacent seat. This seat study, which is approved according to the ECE R44.04 standard, is also equipped with automatic, sensor-controlled airbag deactivation on the front passenger seat.
As an additional benefit, Mercedes engineers are considering the addition of a buggy subframe to the child seat. This would also ensure that children travel in comfort, style and safety outside the car.
Child Cam: keeping an eye on the kids
With the help of a small camera, drivers will in future be able to keep children travelling in the rear under control without taking their eyes off the road.
“Mum, Vanessa keeps pulling my hair!” “John’s seat belt isn’t properly fastened.” – Parents know that when the kids are on board, there is usually no shortage of action on the rear seats. But if the driver looks back to see what is going on, there is a risk of an accident. Accordingly Mercedes safety experts have developed “Child Cam”, a simple camera system that enables the kids to be observed without taking one’s eyes off the road.
A small camera is mounted on the roof lining behind the front seats. If required its images can be transferred to the dashboard display – not in video form, but as sequences of stills to avoid distraction. The camera position provides a slight bird’s-eye view, which allows children in rear-facing child seats to be observed more easily.
“Child Cam” also shows rear areas that are not easy for the driver to observe, e.g. the seat directly behind. And in the case of an estate car, SUV or van, it is also possible to monitor the luggage compartment. This is very useful if domestic pets are on board, for example.
PRE-SAFE 360°: full emergency braking before an impact
With the multiple award-winning PRE-SAFE® system, Mercedes-Benz has once again been underlining its role as a pioneer in the safety field since 2002: once the system recognises certain critical driving situations, PRE-SAFE® activates occupant protection measures as a precaution. As a further development, PRE-SAFE 360° monitors not only the areas to the side, but also to the rear of the vehicle.
PRE-SAFE 360° uses short-range or multi-mode sensors to monitor the area behind the vehicle to a range of up to 60 metres. If the accident early-warning system registers that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are applied around 600 milliseconds before the impact. If the already stationary car is braked during a rear-end collision, this not only prevents secondary accidents where the car is e.g. uncontrollably shunted into a road junction or onto a pedestrian crossing. The severity of possible whiplash injuries to the occupants can also be reduced by application of the brakes, as the vehicle and therefore its occupants have less forward acceleration. The driver always has the final decision with PRE-SAFE 360°, however: if he accelerates because he is able to prevent the rear-end collision by moving forward, for example, the brakes are instantly released.
Contrary to the widely held opinion among drivers, it does not make sense to take one’s foot off the brake pedal before an impending rear-end collision. The correct action would be to apply the brakes as hard as possible, however accident research findings show that the driver of a stationary vehicle impacted from the rear is moved backwards by up to 20 centimetres. This inevitably causes his feet to slip from the pedals.
The protective effect of PRE-SAFE 360° supports that of the NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, which are already standard equipment in many Mercedes model series. If the sensor system detects a rear-end collision with a defined impact severity, it releases pre-tensioned springs inside the head restraints, causing the head restraints to move forward by about 40 millimetres and upwards by 30 millimetres within a matter of milliseconds. This means that the heads of the driver and front passenger are supported at an early stage than with conventional head restraints.
Size Adaptive Airbags: tailor-made airbags
The 1980 Mercedes S-Class (W 126) was the first series production car equipped with an airbag. In the meantime airbags have firmly established themselves across all vehicle segments. Airbags have saved many human lives and reduced the severity of injuries. Mercedes safety specialists are now working on a further improvement to their protective effect by developing airbags with a variable volume.
There are already adaptive airbags at Mercedes-Benz today, for in many model series the airbags are activated in two stages depending on the assessed severity of the impact. Future generations of this restraint system will not only take accident severity into account, but adapt themselves to the individual vehicle occupants: “Size Adaptive Airbags” automatically adjust their volume to the seating position and stature of the front passenger as recognised by the sensors. For whether a small front passenger is hunched up close to the dashboard or a tall front passenger has his seat moved well back is certainly a factor in the protective effect of the airbag. The weight of the front passenger, and therefore the forces acting on the airbag during an accident, are also important.
“Size Adaptive Airbags” enable occupant contact with the airbag to be optimally timed, whatever his weight and seating position. The restraint system can therefore dampen the impact to optimum effect. This Mercedes development varies the volume on the front passenger side between 90 and 150 litres. For purposes of comparison, conventional front passenger airbags have a volume of around 120 litres.
The system uses three retaining bands with which the airbag contours are adjusted to limit the volume. The retaining bands are fitted on electrically driven spools. When the airbag is activated, only as much band length is released as the control unit has calculated on the basis of sensor data for the seating position and weight of the occupant.
Interseat Protection: don’t get too close to me
Danger not only comes from outside during an accident. In unfortunate cases even passengers wearing their seat belts can come into contact and injure each other. Interseat Protection in both seat rows helps to prevent this.
Mercedes safety specialists are presenting two proposed solutions in one with Interseat Protection: a protective system for the driver/front passenger and one for the rear-seat passengers. As a common feature of both, the occupants are physically separated from each other if the PRE-SAFE® system registers an accident. Within fractions of a second, a lattice-like airbag support structure extends from between the front seats to keep the driver and front passenger apart. A seat-mounted solution like this has the advantage that the protective barrier adapts itself to the position of the front seats.
The seat position does not need to be taken into account in the rear, therefore a protective pad located above the centre armrest is used when an accident is detected. This pad helps to prevent the two passengers in the rear from impacting each other. When the pad is at rest it can be activated as part of PRE-SAFE®. Within fractions of a second, the seat divider emerges and the two head supports are deployed.
Mercedes accident research has shown that during a side impact, and also during a rollover, the heads of the passengers move along different paths: around 50 milliseconds after the accident, the head of the person facing the impact changes the direction of its evasive movement towards the centre of the vehicle – impelled by the sidebag and head airbag. A second important finding from these analyses is that a collision between the passengers can only be avoided if the torso is supported. The protective pad of the Interseat Protection system is dimensioned accordingly.
In normal cases the protective pad in the rear is more of an innovative comfort feature: the pad is designed to be extended by the passengers at the touch of a button, when it can be used as a head and shoulder support for a comfortable sleeping position. It would also be conceivable to use the space for stowage or a cooler box, or an entertainment console.
Hybrid Battery Shield: seven-stage safety system
A drive train with hybrid technology lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time this introduces high-voltage electricity and sophisticated battery systems into passenger car engineering, however. Thanks to their long experience with fuel cell technology, Mercedes development engineers are extremely well prepared for the new challenges this presents. A comprehensive, seven-stage safety concept is the result.
The challenge lay in not only complying with all the worldwide and in-house crash test requirements, but also in ensuring the greatest possible safety for the electrical components. This safety system already applies in production, includes workshop personnel during servicing and maintenance, and also takes the emergency services into account when passengers need to be recovered following an accident. The seven-stage concept in detail:
1. In the first stage all the wiring is colour-coded to eliminate confusion, and all components are marked with safety instructions. This makes the regular technical inspections easier to carry out.
2. The second stage comprises comprehensive contact protection for the entire system by means of generous insulation and newly developed, dedicated connectors.
3. As part of the third stage, the lithium-ion battery has been given a whole package of carefully coordinated safety measures. This innovative battery is accommodated in a high-strength steel housing, and also secured in place. Bedding the battery cells in a special gel effectively dampens any jolts and knocks. There is also a blow-off vent with a rupture disc and a separate cooling circuit. An internal electronic controller continuously monitors the safety requirements and immediately signals any malfunctions.
4. The fourth stage of the safety concept includes separation of the battery terminals, individual safety-wiring for all high-voltage components and continuous monitoring by multiple interlock switches. This means that all high-voltage components are connected by an electric loop. In the event of a malfunction the high-voltage system is automatically switched off.
5. Active discharging of the high-voltage system as soon as the ignition is switched to “Off”, or in the event of a malfunction, is part of the fifth stage.
6. During an accident, the high-voltage system is completely switched off within fractions of a second.
7. As the seventh and last stage, the system is continuously monitored for short circuits.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Pacemaker in automotive development
After four years in production and sales of 270,000 units, Mercedes-Benz is now presenting the 2009 S-Class. With an even more dynamic design, even more comfort and pathfinding innovations, this extensively updated new series of the world’s most successful luxury saloon is reiterating its claim to be the standard for automotive progress. Technological highlights include the world’s first series-production hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery in the S 400 HYBRID, which makes this flagship Mercedes-Benz model the world’s most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine. Its fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of just 186 grams per kilometre. This makes the new S 400 HYBRID the “CO2 champion in the luxury class”
In addition the engine range includes eight up-to-date petrol and diesel units, which generate the same, high output as in the preceding series but require up to seven percent less fuel. The high safety standard typical of the S-Class is further improved by a unique combination of new camera and radar based driver assistance systems, with innovations such as Speed Limit Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. More agility and driving enjoyment is ensured by Direct-Steer and modified Active Body Control with crosswind stabilisation for the eight and twelve-cylinder models. The new luxury saloon will be in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz’s own-retail outlets and authorised dealerships from June 2009.
With 270,000 units sold since its market launch in autumn 2005, the W 221-series S-Class is the world’s most successful luxury saloon. Since 1951, when the Model 220 founded the lineage of the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has sold around 3.3 million units of this model series. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The S-Class is the worldwide market leader. Thanks to innovative technology, first-class comfort and trailblazing safety systems, the flagship model from Mercedes-Benz is seen as a pioneer in automotive development.”
S 400 HYBRID: the world’s most efficient petrol-engined luxury saloon
The 2009 S-Class likewise leads the field in automotive development. Mercedes-Benz is underlining this claim to leadership with the new S 400 HYBRID, the world’s first series-production vehicle to be equipped with a hybrid drive system using a lithium-ion battery. This is a pioneering step by Mercedes-Benz on the way to the electrification of the automobile. The combination of a further developed V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module also makes the S 400 HYBRID the world’s most efficient luxury saloon with a petrol engine. The combined New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) fuel consumption is only 7.9–8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. This results in the world’s lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle class, at just 186 – 189 grams per kilometer.
These figures are accompanied by a truly superior performance potential: the modified 3.5-litre petrol engine develops 205 kW/279 hp, while the electric motor generates 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The combined output is therefore 220 kW/299 hp, with a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres.
The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID is based on the S 350, and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. The hybrid module also has a convenient ECO start/stop function, which automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle stops – for example at traffic lights.
The lithium-ion battery stores recovered kinetic energy
When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process of recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the combustion engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.
Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and greater electrical efficiency combined with more compact dimensions and a low battery weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, the boot capacity and generous interior dimensions remain unchanged.
Efficient diesel and petrol engines
In addition to the trailblazing hybrid drive unit of the S 400 HYBRID, the 2009 S‑Class is available with a choice of eight engines: two diesel units and six petrol units with six, eight and twelve cylinders. By means of specific aerodynamic fine-tuning, tyres with a lower rolling resistance and modifications to the steering, fuel pump and 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, Mercedes-Benz developers have been able to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to seven percent.
With diesel fuel consumption of up to 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 199-201 grams per kilometre, the S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (173 kW/235 hp) likewise boasts outstanding figures for the luxury class. Mercedes-Benz achieves this exemplary efficiency with a tailor-made BlueEFFICIENCY package, which also includes closed underbody panelling and decoupling of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission at standstill.
The 3.0-litre diesel engine is also used in the S 350 CDI 4MATIC. The second diesel variant is the eight-cylinder S 450 CDI (235 kW/320 hp) with a displace-ment of 4.0 litres. The range of petrol engines comprises the six-cylinder S 350/ S 350 4MATIC (200 kW/272 hp) with a displacement of 3.5 litres and the two eight-cylinder units in the S 450/S 450 4MATIC (250 kW/340 hp; displacement 4.7 litres) and S 500/S 500 4MATIC (285 kW/388 hp; displacement 5.5 litres). The flagship model is still the S 600 with the 380 kW/517 hp twelve-cylinder biturbo unit), which accelerates the luxury saloon to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The Mercedes-AMGhigh-performance contributions to the range are the S 63 AMG with its 386 kW/525 hp V8 engine (displacement 6.2 litres) and the S 65 AMG with a 459 kW/612 hp twelve-cylinder engine (displacement 6 litres).
The Mercedes-AMGhigh-performance contributions to the range are the S 63 AMG with its 386 kW/525 hp V8 engine (displacement 6.2 litres) and the S 65 AMG with a 450 kW/612 hp twelve-cylinder engine (displacement 6 litres).
Unique combination of driver assistance systems
A combination of ultra-modern assistance and protection systems turns the S‑Class into an “intelligent” partner that can see, feel, respond reflexively and act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their effects. For the first time Mercedes-Benz also uses cameras in these systems – these are able to look well ahead, monitor the car’s surroundings and interpret critical situations. One example is the optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist. This system recognises oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead with their lights on, and then controls the headlamps to ensure the best possible beam range without dazzling other road users.
As a new feature the Night View Assist Plus with infrared camera is now equipped with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians on the road ahead, they are highlighted on the display to make them more readily noticeable.
Lane Keeping Assist is another system that “looks ahead” for even safer driving. The camera on the inside of the windscreen is able to recognise clear lane markings by evaluating the contrasting images of the road surface and the markings. If the vehicle leaves its lane unintentionally, the driver is warned by short vibrations of the steering wheel. Unlike conventional systems of this kind, the Mercedes system is able to evaluate the driver’s activities as well, and can reliably ascertain whether the car is leaving its lane intentionally or not. There is therefore no warning if the driver e.g. accelerates before overtaking or joining a motorway, brakes heavily or enters a bend.
The images supplied by the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optional Speed Limit Assist, which recognises speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display (standard for S 600).
Drowsiness detection on the basis of more than 70 parameters
Thanks to an innovative technology the 2009 S-Class has a very sensitive antenna for the attention level of its driver, and can warn him in time when he becomes drowsy. The drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the evaluation electronics recognise the steering behaviour pattern that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness on the basis of information from the highly sensitive steering angle sensor, a warning signal is sounded and “ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!” appears in the instrument cluster. Attention Assist is standard equipment* in the 2009S-Class.
* not for S 400 HYBRID
“Electronic crumple zone” for maximum occupant protection
Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist (BAS) PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.
Mercedes-Benz also offers another radar based system for the S-Class in the form of the PRE-SAFE® brake. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognise the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, or the warning signal of an assistance system, this system can intervene and brake the vehicle independently. The 2009 S-Class makes use of the latest development stage of this safety system: if the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what is now recognised as an unavoidable accident – an emergency braking action that can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE® Brake therefore acts as something like an “electronic crumple zone”.
New: Active Body Control reduces the effect of a crosswind
The S-Class also meets the highest expectations with respect to driving dynamics and agility. This is in part due to Direct-Steer, with a steering ratio that varies with the steering angle, and modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation (optional for the eight-cylinder models with rear-wheel drive, standard for S 600). For this purpose ABC uses the yaw rates and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP® to vary the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts within milliseconds, depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind. This enables the effects of crosswinds to be largely compensated.
Extra safety at the physical limits, as well as even more agility, is provided by the Torque Vectoring Brake in the 2009 S-Class – targeted, one-sided braking intervention at the inside rear wheel when cornering. The result is a defined turning moment around the vehicle’s vertical axis, which means that the car turns into the bend precisely and without any loss of handling dynamics. This Torque Vectoring Brake function is standard equipment in the 2009 S-Class.
Powerful and self-assured presence
The modified design of the 2009 S-Class reflects the effortless superiority and power of the S-Class Saloon. It is characterised by the more pronounced arrow-shape of the radiator grille, plus a new front bumper with a discreet light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. The headlamps have bi‑xenon technology as standard.
An even more dynamic look is ensured by the LED Light package with its striking LED arrays for daytime driving lights, indicators and driving lights (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600). They lend an unmistakable day-and-night design to the front end. The rear end is characterised by tail lights in a new design, with horizontal, white light rather than the previous inserts in the vehicle colour. Here too, a total of 52 LEDs arranged in a curved design form an unmistakable light signature.
Mercedes-Benz also makes more use of light as a styling element in the interior. In future customers who specify the optional ambient lighting (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600) have a choice between three lighting moods: solar (amber), neutral (white) and polar (ice-blue).
State-of-the-art multimedia technology
In line with its serene character and claim to be a technological trendsetter, the 2009 S-Class also sets standards where onboard infotainment is concerned. As a world first, and on request, Mercedes-Benz will equip its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally located in the centre console. This innovative display concept allows the driver and front passenger to view different content simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver e.g. uses the map-based navigation system, the front passenger can be watching the latest film on DVD.
Mercedes-Benz has also extended the standard control and display system COMAND with additional functions, for example an SD memory card slot. Other new features include a Bluetooth® interface, which wirelessly connects a mobile phone to the standard onboard hands-free system, and a USB interface. These enable customers to export saved data and import them into any other S-Class. It is also possible to transfer navigation data to another vehicle. As an optional extra Mercedes-Benz also offers a media interface – a universal interface in the glove compartment for mobile audio devices like an iPod® and USB stick also with AUX input (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600).
The optionally available COMAND APS (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600) is additionally equipped with a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a 40 GB hard disc. This allows particularly fast route calculation. The high level of navigating convenience is also aided by the detailed three-dimensional map display.
Musical entertainment is provided by a radio, a CD/DVDplayer with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the MUSIC REGISTER with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in the MP3, AAC or WMA format.
The system recognises music files played on CD, DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote® database, and shows the title, album and performer in the colour display. The new Music Search function enables S-Class drivers and passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers. COMAND APS also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which operates the navigation, telephone and audio devices by whole-word commands. This has the advantage that the driver no longer has to spell out his commands. To enter a destination, select a radio station, choose a title from the MUSIC REGISTER or access a contact in the phone directory, he only needs to say what he wants.
Mercedes-Benz has also increased the range of rear seat entertainment functions in the 2009 S-Class. As standard equipment, passengers in the rear now have a remote control unit which enables all the audio and telematics functions of COMAND to be operated, plus access to external devices via the Media Interface. Mercedes-Benz also offers a Rear Seat Entertainment package with two eight-inch displays on the rear surfaces of the front seat head restraints, two wireless headphones and a separate CD/DVD player with connections for external audio and video devices.
The surround sound system with “Logic 7” technology developed by Mercedes-Benz together with the audio specialists Harman Kardon® delivers an outstanding performance with three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers.
Interior: carefully selected materials and first-class finishing
The multifunction steering wheel of the S-Class has also been modified by the Mercedes-Benz designers: in future the rim and airbag module are lined wth soft nappa leather as standard. The new, flatter airbag module also lends a sporty touch to the multifunction steering wheel.
When choosing the interior, S-Class customers now have even more scope for their personal preferences. A total of five different types of wood trim provide perfectly coordinated material and colour concepts to suit personal tastes.
To make the decision-making process easier, Mercedes-Benz designers have developed three new interior combinations for the colour scheme: alpaca grey/basalt grey, cashmere beige/savanna beige and chestnut brown/black. Together with an all-black interior for the comfort-oriented business saloon and the well-proven combination of sahara beige/black, this produces a total of five tasteful interior design options. In addition to high-grade fabrics, leather upholstery in three qualities is available as an option.
The S 400 HYBRID is the first passenger car model with hybrid drive to be introduced by Mercedes-Benz. Its combination of a further developed V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 HYBRID the world’s most efficient luxury saloon with a petrol engine. In the New European Driving Cycle, the combined fuel consumption is only 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This produces the world’s lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and output class – just 186 grams per kilometre.
These exemplary figures go hand in hand with outstanding performance potential: the 3.5-litre petrol engine develops 205 kW/279 hp, while the electric motor adds another 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The combined output is therefore 220 kW/299 hp, with a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres. Moreover, the new S 400 HYBRID is the first series-production model to be equipped with a particularly powerful lithium-ion battery specifically designed for automotive use. This is another pioneering step by Mercedes-Benz towards the electrification of the automobile.
The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID is based on the S 350, and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the petrol engine with additional torque of up to 160 newton metres during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The driver benefits from the combined action of these two units in the form of even more impressive torque characteristics and smooth, effortlessly superior acceleration.
The hybrid module also has a convenient ECO start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill – for example at traffic lights. When it is time to move off again, the electric motor almost imperceptibly restarts the main power unit. This makes a significant contribution to fuel economy and environmental protection: because the engine restarts first time, and practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase.
When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process of recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the combustion engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.
A milestone on the road to electrification
The centrepiece of the modular, very compact and highly efficient hybrid drive system is the new high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which was specially developed for automotive use and is the first such unit worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle. In this way Mercedes-Benz is making a trailblazing contribution to the electrification of the car, with the S-Class once again playing the role of the technological trendsetter.
Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together with more compact dimensions and a lower weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery, the generous interior space and boot capacity remain unchanged. The lithium-ion battery not only stores energy for the electric motor and the electrical refrigerant compressor, but is also connected to the 12-Volt onboard network via the DC transformer to supply power to other standard consumers such as the headlamps and comfort features. The completely newly designed battery system consists of the cell block with its lithium-ion cells and the electronic cell monitoring system, the battery management function, the high-strength housing, the cooling gel, the cooling plate, the coolant feed and the high-voltage connection.
Optimised thermal efficiency lowers the engine’s fuel consumption
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with variable valve control has been thoroughly re-engineered and improved. In the process the development engineers made use of the advantages offered by the Atkinson principle,where the expansion phase is longer than the compression phase. The intake valve is kept open slightly longer between the intake and compression phases, which improves the engine’s thermal efficiency while reducing the specific fuel consumption and untreated emissions. A new cylinder head, different pistons and a modified camshaft with different camshaft control increase the output by 5 kW/7 hp to 205 kW/279 hp – while reducing fuel consumption at the same time.
Fuel economy also on inter-urban journeys and motorways
Especially on rural journeys and on motorways, the S 400 HYBRID achieves a further efficiency improvement by moving the operating point of the petrol engine to produce a lower specific fuel consumption. The extremely high start-off torque made possible by the boost effect of the electric motor gives the driver a particularly exhilarating feeling of powerful acceleration, while fuel consumption and emissions are reduced.
The electric motor improves efficiency
The compact, disc-shaped electric motor, which is space-savingly installed between the engine and the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission, improves efficiency even further. This is a 3-phase AC external rotor magneto motor, which develops a peak output of 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of up to 160 newton metres with an operating voltage of 120 Volts. This compact motor also acts as a starter and generator, adopting the functions of both these conventional ancillary units.
Sophisticated interaction with the internal combustion engine makes numerous additional functions possible that positively influence the emissions and agility of the S 400 HYBRID in equal measure. Moreover, this disc-shaped motor effectively dampens torsional vibrations in the drive train, thereby further reducing noise and vibrations in the interior. The result is even more ride comfort for both driver and passengers.
“Boost” effect for even more driving pleasure
The overall system offers extensive benefits: firstly by helping to save fuel, and secondly by increasing driving pleasure with the help of the “boost” effect, where the electric motor gives powerful assistance to the petrol engine with its maximum torque of 160 newton metres right from the beginning of the fuel-intensive acceleration phase. This means that the hybrid drive system of the S 400 HYBRID moves off powerfully even from very low engine speeds, as the torque curve impressively confirms. The additional torque of the hybrid module also has a consistently positive effect during subsequent acceleration phases. In all driving situations, the driver therefore benefits from the interaction between the two units in the form of powerful responsiveness and muscular torque – but without an increased fuel consumption.
The S 400 HYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. The S 400 HYBRID betters the already very favourable NEDC fuel consumption of the conventionally powered S 350 by up to 2.2 litres per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions are reduced by about 21 percent.
The ECO start/stop function already saves fuel when rolling to a stop
In addition the hybrid module features an extremely comfortable and efficient start/stop function, which already switches the engine off when the vehicle is rolling to a stop at less than 15 km/h, for example before stopping at traffic lights. When it’s time to move off again, the electric motor immediately and imperceptibly restarts the main engine as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal or operates the accelerator. This likewise contributes to fuel economy and environmental conservation: as the engine restarts practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase. The vibrations and jolts that are unavoidable when starting with a conventional starter are also reduced to a minimum.
Steering and climatic comfort remain unchanged, as both the steering servo pump and the refrigerant compressor are electrically powered. Both systems therefore continue to operate even when the vehicle is at a standstill with the engine automatically switched off. Even the partial vacuum required for brake servo assistance is generated electrically. The intelligent control logic is able to detect whether the driver is executing a turning or parking manoeuvre. In this case the automatic start/stop function is temporarily deactivated, so that these manoeuvres can be carried out in comfort.
Every braking action generates electric power for the battery
When the vehicle decelerates, the electric motor acts as a generator and uses a process of recuperation to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy. This energy is stored in the compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery, and made available when required.
The electric motor assists the engine braking effect of the internal combustion engine in two smooth, seamless stages: in stage one, on the overrun with no braking action, the electric motor acts as a generator and begins to recuperate energy. Stage two commences as soon as the driver lightly operates the brake pedal: the generator output is then increased proportionally, and perceived as heavier deceleration by the driver.
Only in the case of heavier deceleration and when more brake pedal pressure is applied are the wheel brakes activated in addition to recuperation. In this way more electrical energy can be generated, while saving wear and tear on the hydraulic braking system at the same time. To make the best possible use of this double benefit, Mercedes engineers also developed a new braking system with a new brake pedal module for the S 400 BlueHYBRID.
Cleverly located control electronics
Dedicated control electronics are required to operate the 3-phase AC electric motor in the 120-Volt high-voltage DC network. The current converter is accommodated in the space formerly occupied by the starter. As the control electronics heat up as a result of electric currents measuring up to 150 amps, the system is equipped with its own, additional low-temperature cooling circuit.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have accommodated the transformer in the right front wheel arch, where it facilitates the exchange of energy between the 120-Volt high-voltage network and the 12-Volt onboard network – and also allows the option of emergency starting with jump leads if the standard battery should lose its charge. To ensure a consistently high level of electrical efficiency, the transformer is likewise cooled by a low-temperature circuit. The 12-Volt lead/acid battery is installed in the boot, and not only supplies the standard consumers but also the monitoring system for the high-voltage components with energy. Thanks to its interaction with the lithium-ion battery, it is considerably smaller in size and lighter than usual.
Tried-and-tested automatic transmission with a new configuration
Mercedes-Benz developers also adapted the well-proven 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission to suit the hybrid drive, with newly programmed software for the transmission management system. A newly developed auxiliary oil pump ensures reliable lubrication of the transmission even during phases when the combustion engine is switched off.
This complex system is managed by the modified high-performance engine control unit. This incorporates extensive functions, and distinguishes between operating conditions such as city traffic, rural journeys, motorway driving or slow manoeuvring.
Hybrid status shown in the instrument cluster
The driver is also able to monitor the status of the hybrid drive system visually. The instrument cluster has a separate, centrally positioned display showing the energy flow during boost and recuperation phases, as well as the battery charge status.
7-stage safety concept in addition to the Mercedes-Benz standard
As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the development engineers gave safety aspects their very special attention. Know-how incorporated into the series-production car included long years of Daimler research experience with fuel-cell technology. The challenge lay in not only complying with all the worldwide and in-house legal crash test requirements, but also in ensuring the greatest possible safety for the electrical components. This safety system already applies in production, includes workshop personnel during servicing and maintenance, and also takes the emergency services into account when passengers need to be recovered following an accident.
Accordingly the hybrid technology of the S 400 HYBRID is equipped with an extensive 7-stage safety concept.
1. In the first stage all the wiring is colour-coded to eliminate confusion, and all components are marked with safety instructions. This makes the regular quality checks easier to carry out.
2. The second stage comprises comprehensive contact protection for the entire system by means of generous insulation and newly developed, dedicated connectors.
3. As part of the third stage, the world’s first lithium-ion battery to be used in a series-production model has been given a whole package of carefully coordinated safety measures. This innovative battery is accommodated in a high-strength steel housing, and also secured in place. Bedding the battery cells in a special gel effectively dampens any jolts and knocks. There is also a blow-off vent with a rupture disc and a separate cooling circuit. An internal electronic controller continuously monitors safety and immediately signals any malfunctions.
4. The fourth stage of the safety concept includes separation of the battery terminals, individual safety-wiring for all high-voltage components and continuous monitoring by multiple interlock switches. This means that all high-voltage components are connected by an electric loop. In the event of a malfunction the high-voltage system is automatically switched off.
5. As soon as the ignition is switched to “off” or if there is a fault, circuit breakers are activated in the fifth stage so that the high-voltage components are de-energized. The battery remains charged so that the engine can be re-started at any time.
6. During an accident, the high-voltage system is completely switched off within fractions of a second (stage six).
7. As the seventh and last stage, the system is continuously monitored for short circuits.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall system is only 75 kilograms – including the comprehensive safety systems. The superior driving experience for which a Mercedes is known is therefore ensured by this trailblazing and very versatile technology, which can be used for practically all Mercedes-Benz model series. At 595 kilograms, payload is the same as that of the S 350.
The intelligent high-performance engine management system responds very sensitively to different driving conditions, and optimally configures the drive system for the relevant application, ensuring that both fuel consumption and emissions are kept to the lowest possible level.
At standstill the petrol engine is usually switched off, and therefore consumes no fuel. The electric drive of the refrigerant compressor and steering servo pump allows uninterrupted operation of the air conditioning and power steering. Comfort is in no way compromised, and is at the same high level as in all S-Class models. Even the partial vacuum required for brake servo assistance is generated electrically.
Moving off and accelerating away gently remains a smooth and comfortable procedure. A driver who kicks down the accelerator for a brisk start benefits from the boost function of the electric motor, which produces considerably more dynamic acceleration.
At cruising speed, the intelligent electronic management system detects the situation, for example a stretch of relaxed driving on a motorway, and automatically moves the load point of the petrol engine over to lower specific fuel consumption, thereby helping to save fuel and reduce emissions.
When rolling to a stopthe recuperation function is activated as soon as the drive is interrupted in any way (foot off the accelerator, engine braking). Once the vehicle speed falls below 15 km/h, the petrol engine is automatically switched off.
If the driver brakes using the brake pedal, the electric motor initially begins to convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. In this case the electric motor acts as a generator, storing the kinetic energy as electrical energy in the lithium-ion battery. This process feels like an engine braking effect to the driver. The conventional disc brakes at the wheels are not yet employed. The disc brakes are only activated if the driver requires heavier deceleration, braking the car together with the engine brake and recuperation.
Once the driver selects “R” (reverse) in the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission when manoeuvring,‑this automatically activates the manoeuvring mode and prevents the ECO start/stop function from switching off the engine at short, frequent intervals.
The advantages of the hybrid drive system really come into their own in city traffic, with frequent stops at red traffic lights. Already switching off the petrol engine as the car frequently coasts to a stop significantly lowers the fuel consumption and emissions, while the long recuperation phases increase the battery charge. The electric motor ensures particularly comfortable and rapid restarting when the ECO start/stop function is active.
On rural roadsthere are frequent changes between boost, constant speed and recuperation phases. Depending on the nature of the route, large quantities of recuperation energy are available to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The more braking and acceleration phases there are, the better: uphill and downhill gradients, as well as winding, dynamic stretches, make for the largest savings.
The hybrid effect is inherently less important on motorways, however thanks to specific modifications to the V6 petrol engine and the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the driver is also able to achieve significant fuel savings and correspondingly lower emissions on fast road stretches like these.
The S 400 BlueHybrid is produced at the Sindelfingen plant, together with the other S-Class models. The petrol engine, 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission and electric motor are first put together to form a hybrid module, then delivered to the production line as a unit.
To test the practical suitability of the hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery, the specialists in Sindelfingen subjected 200 pre-series examples of the S 400 HYBRID to extended trials around the globe. In the process these test vehicles covered almost ten million kilometres in the extreme heat and cold, under full acceleration and in stop-and-go traffic, and also in typical day-to-day motoring. To sum up, the drive system of the S 400 HYBRID proved to be robust, efficient and unreservedly suitable for practical operation.
Modular technologies for the environmentally friendly future of the premium car
The new S 400 HYBRID exemplifies the strategy of Mercedes-Benz, whose declared aim is to offer the brand’s customers economical and environmentally compatible premium cars – without compromising in terms of typical brand attributes such as safety, comfort and superior driving pleasure.
The fundamental development strategy that Mercedes-Benz has defined in its “Road to the Future” is focused on the modular design principle: modular drive technologies that can be used individually or in combination depending on vehicle class, operating profile and customer requirements are a key factor in this.
Mercedes-Benz has already introduced numerous solutions to meet the requirements of tomorrow. The most recent examples are the B 170 NGT with natural gas drive, the powerful, economical and clean BlueTEC SUVs introduced in the USmarket, the BlueEFFICIENCY models in the A, B, C and E-Class and – as the latest example – the S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, after taking a little more than a week off, we are indeed back this fine April morning, once again bringing you the latest in Mercedes-related news and entertainment. Unfortunately, it was an unexpected trip paired with an equally unexpected lack of Wi-Fi access that caused the abrupt article hiatus, but not to worry, as both myself and the rest of the staff are back from their spring vacations and ready to get to work.
As is the case anytime a vacation is enjoyed, we’ve got plenty of work to catch up on, so rather than commenting on each of the various press releases we’ve missed, we’re going to bring you the straight corporate content in an effort to get you caught up as quickly as possible. Once we’ve caught up on our backlog, however, we will once again return to the trademark wit you’ve all come to know and love.
But enough of my rambling – let’s get to the Mercedes content, starting with the brand-new, slightly revised and somewhat awkward looking 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Keep scrolling for a number of photos and a lengthy press release detailing what to expect from the latest iteration of the endearing S-Class.