This concept includes more than 12 innovative safety technologies.
Mercedes-Benz just unveiled their latest Experimental Safety Vehicle, continuing a decades-long tradition. This concept shines more light on safety ideas that the automaker’s engineers, researchers and experts are currently working on. Some of these features may be ready for production, but others “look well into future.”
Based on the most recent Mercedes-Benz GLE the ESV is powered by a plug-in hybrid engine and can be used for automated driving in many different situations. The Germans will exhibit the vehicle at the ESV convention, Eindhoven, in June. This will be followed by a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Sept 2019. According to the manufacturer, the concept is a preview for “what’s to come”, as well as a vision and contribution to the “general discussion” on safety in modern cars.
ESV’s semi-autonomous functions are one of its most important safety features. To reduce injury risk in case of an accident, the plug-in SUV retracts the steering wheel, pedals, and steering wheel. This means that the mounting points for seatbelts or airbags have to be changed. They are now integrated into the dashboard and seats. The cooperative communication system informs road users of potential road hazards ahead.
Mercedes has introduced Pre-Safe Child technology to ensure occupant safety. It uses a preventively tensioned belt with side-mounted impact protection elements and a pre-tensioned belt to lower the impact on the child in a crash. It monitors both the installation of the seat and vital signs.
A small robot, which emerges from the vehicle’s back after an accident and acts as a warning triangle, is another very interesting feature. A warning triangle, which folds out from the vehicle’s roof and acts as a communication surface, provides additional signalization.
Ola Kallenius (Member of Daimler AG Executive Board, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Development) comments that safety is part of Mercedes-Benz’s brand DNA. With our Experimental Safety Vehicles, we have proven that we don’t lack ideas in this area since the 1970s. The ESF 2019 represents the future mobility and includes a variety of innovations that we are currently developing and researching. Some functions are close to being produced in series, and I know this.