New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Announced Autonomous driving will be realized in 2021
On September 2, 2020, Mercedes-Benz held the digital world premiere of the 11th generation new S-Class (W233). As the world's best-selling full-size luxury car, Mercedes-Benz's flagship saloon, the new S-Class, incorporates the latest technology to combine emotion with advanced intelligence.
Outline of the new S-Class
If you introduce the whole thing in detail, it will be a huge amount of items, so let's introduce the main points here.
The W223 S-class uses the second-generation modular MRA platform, combining a 4-link double wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Air suspension is standard equipment, and the system automatically lowers the vehicle height by 20mm at 160km/h or higher to improve stability.
In addition, rear wheel steering is set as an option, and the rear steering angle is set to a maximum of 10 degrees, which is extremely large. As a result, stability at high speeds and a smaller turning radius at low speeds are achieved, and despite the wheelbase exceeding 3m, the minimum turning radius is 5.2m, and even the long wheelbase model is 5.4m, achieving unprecedented tight turning performance. Realized.
The new S-class will have a short body and a long body as before. The short body is 5179mm long, 1921mm wide, 1503mm high and 3106mm wheelbase. Compared to the conventional model, it is 54mm longer, 22mm wider and 10mm taller. The wheelbase has been extended by 71mm.
The long body has a total length of 5289mm and a wheelbase of 3216mm. Compared to the conventional model, the overall length is 34mm longer and the wheelbase is 51mm longer. In the global market, long-wheelbase models are the mainstream of sales.
Next, let's pick up the attention points of the new S class.
Human-Machine Interface
Based on the belief that the new S-Class must be the best car in the world, it proposes a next-generation personal mobility concept. This idea is strongly reflected in the latest driver assistance systems and human-machine interfaces.
The second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) and up to five high-definition organic EL displays are representative of human-machine interfaces. The meter display section becomes the latest 3D display display with the push of a button, and eye tracking (tracking the driver's line of sight) enables the driver to recognize the space with a true 3D effect.
Additionally, there is an optional large head-up display that displays augmented reality content, such as animated heading arrows that are virtually and accurately projected onto the lane when navigating. It's becoming Various icons can be superimposed on the actual image.
The voice assistant "Hi, Mercedes" can also be used as an online service with a smartphone app, expanding the range of learning and interaction. “Hi, Mercedes” can also answer questions about vehicle functions and general knowledge, and the voice assistant can also be used from the rear seat.
The new generation MBUX integrates not only voice control, but also MBUX Interior Assist functionality, which uses cameras and learning algorithms mounted on the overhead control panel to recognize the wishes and intentions of the occupants. recognizable and predictable.
In other words, specific operations are performed not only by voice, but also by the movement of the driver's body. The system interprets body language, such as head orientation and hand movements, so that, for example, if the driver looks over his shoulder toward the rear window, Interior Assist automatically opens the sunblind.
The interior assist also has a function to detect the child seat in the passenger seat even before the start of the drive, and notify the driver if, for example, the seat belt is not attached.
Evolving HMI
In addition, the MBUX smart home function has been newly added, and the S class can now control the home. Using communications, you can remotely monitor and control your home's air conditioner temperature, lighting, blinds up and down, electrical appliances, and more.
Optional active ambient lighting, with approximately 250 LEDs, is integrated into the driver assistance system and visually enhances the warnings issued by the system. Light feedback is also possible, for example, when operating the climate control system or the 'Hi, Mercedes' voice assistant.
In addition, the driver's display for the latest generation driver assistance package displays the operation status of the driver assistance system on a full screen so that it can be intuitively understood.
The optional digital headlights have a completely new function that projects various markings and warnings on the road ahead, and can send warning messages to other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. This is a practical application of the technology used in the advanced safety test vehicle.
Driver Assistance Systems
The new S-Class takes a big step towards its vision of zero accidents. New systems and enhanced driver assistance systems reduce the daily burden of driving, making driving more comfortable and safer. When danger is imminent, the assistance system can adapt to imminent collisions and even assist when parking.
In daily driving, assistance systems reduce the driver's stress depending on the situation. This includes vehicle speed regulation, following distance control, steering and lane changing. This allows drivers to remain vigilant for longer, reach their destinations more safely and comfortably, and when danger is threatened, when there is a risk of an accident due to driver inattention or distraction, and when driver assistance systems can react accordingly to reduce or avoid the severity of possible conflicts.
The new S-Class is equipped with a new generation steering wheel with capacitive handoff recognition. There are two zones of sensors on the steering wheel rim that record whether the driver's hands are on the wheel.
The driver's display's new assistance display provides a full-screen view of the operational status of the driver assistance systems, giving the driver an abstract view of the car, the driving lane, lane markings and other road users (vehicles). , trucks, bicycles, etc.).
The new S-class is equipped with the following sensors for the driving support system.・Front multi-mode radar: 130-degree aperture angle radar sensor x 2 ・Front long-range radar: 90- and 9-degree aperture angle radar sensor x 1 ・Front stereo multipurpose camera: 70-degree aperture angle ・Rear multi-mode radar: aperture angle 130-degree radar sensor x 2, 360-degree camera (close range): camera with 180-degree aperture angle x 4, ultrasonic sensor (close range): sensor with 120-degree aperture angle x 12
On all types of roads, such as highways, country roads and city streets, the system can automatically maintain a distance to the vehicle ahead. A new feature is anti-collision response to stationary objects at up to 130km/h (previously 60km/h).
ADAS with improved accuracy
Steer Assist can trace the driving lane at speeds up to 210km/h. It is also available for lane recognition with a new 360-degree camera and curves on country roads.
Active Lane Keeping Assist uses a camera to detect road markings or road crossings at speeds between 60 and 250 km/h, preventing the driver from unintentionally leaving the lane. . The system also intervenes if there is a danger of collision with a vehicle recognized in an adjacent lane. It can also detect road shoulders and grassy areas and intervene in the steering.
Active Emergency Stop Assist automatically stops when the driver monitor recognizes that the driver has stopped reacting to traffic conditions for a long time. In the new S-Class, Active Distance Assist Distronic with Steering Assist (ACC) works even if it is not switched on.
Attention Assist recognizes typical signs of drowsiness and driver inattentiveness and displays warning messages to remind you to take a break. In addition, the new Micro-Sleep Warning uses a monitor camera to monitor the movement of the driver's eyelids and alerts the driver if he or she is falling asleep.
Active Brake Assist uses onboard sensors to detect if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead, at an intersection or oncoming traffic. If a collision appears to be imminent, the driver is given visual and audible warnings, and if the driver's brake response is too weak, the system assists by increasing brake pressure depending on the situation and the driver does not respond. It is also possible to initiate automatic emergency braking.
Active Blind Spot Assist warns of possible lateral collisions in the speed range of approximately 10-200 km/h. If the driver ignores the warning and still initiates a lane change, the system finally corrects the course with a one-sided brake intervention when the speed exceeds 30 km/h.
Also, when the vehicle is stopped, it warns that other vehicles (including bicycles) are passing through the danger zone. The feature can be used for up to three minutes after the ignition is switched off when the vehicle is stationary, and also provides active ambient lighting warnings, and MBUX Interior Assist's camera allows the driver or front passenger to see the door. Even moving your hand toward the steering wheel will display a hazard warning.
Hazard Avoidance Steering Assist recognizes not only stationary pedestrians in pedestrian crossings, but also pedestrians and vehicles, including cyclists, that are traversing along the road, and steers to avoid them within a speed range of 108 km/h or less. Operate.
Pre-Safe Impulse Side, similar to the traditional Pre-Safe protection concept for frontal and rear-end collisions, immediately detects a side-impact collision and immediately pushes the affected driver/passenger out of the immediate danger zone. Air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests instantly inflate and protect.
In addition, if there is a risk of a side collision with another vehicle, the E-Active Body Control Suspension (optional) lifts the vehicle higher within a few tenths of a second. This allows impact forces to be directed towards the vehicle undercarriage.
The parking system is faster and more intuitive to operate thanks to its integration into MBUX. Optional rear-wheel steering is integrated into the parking assistant and the trajectory is calculated accordingly. Drivers can park and unpark via a smartphone with Remote Parking Assist.
The S-Class also supports automated valet parking (Level 4) when Intelligent Park Pilot is installed. Driverless automated parking is possible if national laws permit such operations.
In this way, it should be noted that the driving support system has improved the ability to assist the driver in a much wider range of scenes than was previously assumed.
Level 3 Autonomous Driving
In the new S-Class, when the "drive pilot" is turned on, the vehicle's system, not the driver, controls driving. Of course, this goes against conventional notions. Level 3 autonomous driving requires an expanded set of sensors, including LiDAR (optical measurement of distance and speed), an additional rear camera (to detect emergency vehicles coming from behind, etc.), and high-precision sensors. 3D map (high resolution quality digital map) for vehicle position detection, and a microphone.
Level 3 low-speed automated driving of the new S-Class will be offered exclusively in Germany from 2021. Here, let's take a look at the legal development status of autonomous driving around the world.
Legal Development Status for Autonomous Driving
Japan is leading the world in legal development for the practical application of autonomous driving. Level 3 self-driving cars on the market that received type approval in April 2020 were allowed to run on public roads in Japan. This is a world first. Following the lifting of the ban on automatic driving level 3 in Japan, international standards were established in June 2020.
One of the specialized subcommittees of the "World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29)" under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), "GRVA (automated driving subcommittee)" A new UN regulation called "Harmonized Regulations Concerning Approval of Vehicles Concerning Maintenance Systems" was proposed, and at the meeting of WP29 in June, it was decided that it would become a UN regulation as an international standard.
The international standard is expected to come into force in January 2021, but of course it needs legal approval in each European country. In 2017, Germany was the only European country to adopt a road traffic law that supports Level 3 automated driving.
With this background, the new S-class has decided to introduce level 3 automated driving in Germany in 2021.
International standards for automated driving level 3 are intended for low-speed driving in the same lane on highways. The autonomous driving function "Drive Pilot", which is scheduled to be introduced in the new S-Class, follows this, and it is a system in which the vehicle is responsible for driving operations such as braking and steering in the same lane at 60 km / h or less on highways congested due to traffic congestion. there is
If the drive pilot is on and the speed is 60 km/h or less on the highway, the driver is freed from the obligation to monitor the traffic environment and can use the Internet on a smartphone or tablet, read newspapers, etc. You are allowed to watch videos. In the case of the S class, you can also enjoy a massage with the seat massage function.
However, the driver must always be prepared to regain control, and the driver must immediately take over driving when instructed by the system or when driving with Drive Pilot becomes difficult.
In other words, when a highway route suitable for DrivePilot is nearing the end, when entering a long tunnel, or when the weather suddenly changes or the traffic clears and the vehicle speeds up, the driver will drive at the right time. is prompted to resume
Basically, the driver must be ready to continue driving the vehicle manually within 10 seconds. Therefore, sleeping, looking backwards for a long time, and leaving the driver's seat are not allowed. To ensure the driver remains in control, Driver Monitoring cameras and MBUX Interior Assist monitor head and eyelid movements.
If the driver is unable to resume driving control, the drive pilot will decelerate appropriately, stop the vehicle, and activate the emergency call system. Doors and windows are unlocked to allow easy access to the vehicle by third parties.
As a prerequisite for the new S-class drive pilot, in addition to the above additional sensors, the electric steering system, brake system, and in-vehicle electrical system are all redundant systems, and electrical failures may occur. Both vehicles are equipped with fail-operability and fail-safe systems that allow them to operate and stop safely. Therefore, the system such as the power supply has a two-channel configuration.
In addition to level 3 automatic driving by the drive pilot, the new S class also supports level 4 unmanned automatic valet parking system. This enables automatic parking and automatic exit in parking lots that support automatic valet parking, and remote parking in visible parking.
Orders for the new S-Class began in Germany in September, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in December.
In addition to this new S-class, Level 3 automated driving is scheduled to be released as early as 2020, with Honda's legend equipped with a level 3 automated driving system, and the Lexus LS is the same as the new S-class. It is expected that a model equipped with a level 3 autonomous driving system will be released at this time.
Although it is not the case that the timing of market introduction should be earlier, it is possible to see that there will be a competition between Japan and Germany to put Level 3 automated driving into practical use.
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