Mercedes-Benz’ Blind Spot Assist
Mercedes-Benz S and CL-Class models now have a new system option available, the Blind Spot Assist. This system provides drivers with assistance when changing lanes.
Mercedes-Benz uses six short-range radar sensors for its newly-developed Blind Spot Assist system. These radar sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers of the vehicles. These sensors will monitor the side and rear zones of the car on both the right and left sides of the vehicle, which are the drivers’ “blind spots.” By doing that, drivers are given assistance in looking at the areas that the exterior mirrors are unable to cover. If the radar sensors detect the presence of another vehicle in the danger zone, there will be red warning symbol appearing in the exterior mirror glass. This symbol signals the driver that it might be a dangerous time to change lanes for a collision may occur. However, drivers may ignore this signal and still opt to switch on the turn signals indicators. In that case, the signal will start blinking and also an audible sound will be heard.
As mentioned earlier, this newly-developed system by Mercedes-Benz is available as an optional system to the S and CL-Class models together with the other radar-based assistance systems. These other radar-based systems include the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, PRE-SAFE brake and Parking Guidance, and the Brake Assist Plus. The cost for this package ranges between €2594.20 and €3391.50 (ex factory, incl. VAT in Germany.
This Blind Spot Assist system will really be helpful to drivers, and in the prevention of possible road collisions that are brought by the ‘blind spot’ zones. This may just be initially offered in the S and CL-Class models but if this system really proves itself helpful, Mercedes-Benz perhaps might think of extending this option to its other models as well.