Mercedes-Benz debuts Splitview, active safety technologies

Mercedes-Benz CL-600

The Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe and S-Class Sedan offer Splitview – a dual-viewing technology. Using the 8-inch, backlit active-matrix TFT-LCD COMAND screen at the top center of the dashboard, SPLITVIEW allows the driver and front passenger to view two different displays — in full-screen — at the same time. A mask on the screen filters out one set or the other, based on viewing angle.

For example, the driver can view the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie. A person sliding across the entire back seat from left to right first sees the navigation map. Approaching the middle of the seat, the screen goes dark, and continuing to the right, the movie image appears.

The COMAND controller determines the driver’s content, while the passenger uses a dedicated remote control. The passenger also has headphones to ensure the driver isn’t distracted by a movie soundtrack. SPLITVIEW is a $700 option on the S-Class sedan and CL-Class coupe.

The restyled CL-Class also offers two new safety features based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology. Renowned as the flagship coupe from Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 CL-Class debuts Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both designed to help the driver avoid danger through corrective braking. Building on technologies introduced last year on the E- and S-Class, the CL-Class now includes features such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE Brake with automatic emergency braking, and Night View Assist PLUS with Pedestrian Detection. The 2011 CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in the fall of 2010.

Active Lane Keeping Assist

Using a multi-purpose camera mounted in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images, Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel (via an electric motor) if the car drifts from its lane unintentionally. Should the driver fail to react to this warning, the car intervenes by gently braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car. The unequal distribution of braking forces causes a yaw movement which helps the driver to stay in their lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist makes use of the existing ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) system to apply the brakes and maintain vehicle control.

Active Blind Spot Assist

Active Blind Spot Assist, monitors both blind spots alongside the vehicle using close-range radar sensors. When a vehicle is detected, a yellow warning triangle is illuminated in the corresponding side-view mirror. Should the driver disregard this warning and activate the turn indicator, the warning triangle changes to red and an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore these warnings and moves dangerously close to a neighboring vehicle, the system activates corrective braking intervention to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. Like Active Lane Keeping Assist, the yaw movement helps correct the car’s path or minimize the consequences of a collision.