New Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Drive Pilot enhances self-driving capabilities

THE 10th generation of the Mercedes=Benz E-Class made its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this month with distinctive new design and plenty of technical innovations. It carries an optional Drive Pilot which takes the car into the realm of semi-autonomous driving.
The exterior design conveys elegance and flair and comes in similar design to that of the luxury S-Class saloon. Inside, comfort is maximized with sculptured seats and ambient lighting in 64 shades. There is a new instrument cluster with an option of a 12.3 inch hi-resolution digital display which delivers a new driving experience.
The screen merges with the dashboard to form a single wide display that projects virtual instruments, giving the driver direct access to key functions.
There is also a center console touchpad as well as touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, fitted for the first time in a car to allow the driver full control of the infotainment system in similar fashion to a smartphone — without taking his hands off the wheel or his eyes off the road.
Specs for European markets include the E 220 d uses an all-new four-cylinder 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine producing 195 bhp and 400 Nm, with the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox that is standard on all new models.
As well as helping to create seamlessly smooth shifts, the 9G-Tronic gearbox also contributes to the E 220 d’s low 102 g/km CO2rating and high 72.4 mpg economy. By comparison the previous-generation E 220 CDI Saloon, launched in 2009, produced 170 bhp from its 2.1-liter engine, and returned a then-impressive 53.3 mpg and 139 g/km of CO2. Acceleration from 0-62 mph in the new E 200 d takes just 7.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing E 250 CDI.
The new E-Class carries the latest versions of PRE-SAFE and Active Brake Assist as standard. There is also an optional Drive Pilot which keeps the car automatically at the correct distance from the car ahead at speeds of up to 130 mph.
Even though, the E-class could drive and steer itself like the Tesla Model S does in certain conditions, it won't because Mercedes thinks there are still safety issues to overcome. Instead, the car still needs the driver to show he is in charge of the vehicle by holding the steering wheel. But the steering will “assist” in avoidance in emergencies, will follow traffic at speeds up to 130mph and also change lanes by itself.
A new benchmark is also set for efficiency as a result of aerodynamic lightweight construction and new turbocharged engines.
The base diesel engine 220d is predicted to emit only 102 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. The company is also planning to introduce a plug-in hybrid later in the year. It confirms the car will “deliver the performance of a sports car and the economy of a compact car.”
All the cars at launch will use Mercedes's nine-speed automatic gearbox and will be rear-wheel drive. Conventional steel suspension is further developed for better ride quality and comes with a variety of ride heights and stiffness, and there's the option of Mercedes' new multi-chamber air suspension.
Dimensions are bigger than the outgoing model — it is 43 mm longer than its predecessor and its new LED active headlamps automatically shield oncoming drivers from glare by switching on and off single LEDs.
The E-class will park itself remotely when the space is tight and there's a new mobile-phone supported car-to-car communications system, which warns of hazards ahead.  
The rest of the kit list is lengthy, but wireless inductive mobile-phone charging, use of a smartphone as a key and LED interior lamps are on there. There's also newly developed side airbags, which inflate before impact to move passengers away from the side of the car, and an extraordinary system which plays a note through the car's speakers to stimulate the acoustic reflex in the inner ear to protect the delicate parts of ear from the noise of a crash.
Mercedes is labelling this model as “the most intelligent saloon in the business class.” Among the cutting-edge features, the E-Class is the first Mercedes with the capability to be upgraded wirelessly through a software download and comes with the brand's latest autonomous driving technology.
The new E-Class is available to order now in some markets and deliveries will start in the summer. Standard specification on the SE includes: Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with 8.4-inch display; Parktronic parking sensors with reversing camera and Park Pilot self-parking system; Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system; Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system (including Pre-Safe Sound, which helps prevent damage to hearing); 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting; two-zone automatic climate control; three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with dual touchpads; leather upholstery with heated front seats; LED headlights and taillights; electrically folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels.
Competition in this segment includes the BMW 5 Series, jaguar XF, Audi A6 and Lexus GS. The new E-Class is likely to arrive in GCC markets later this year.