Ok, let this German explain. Everyone knows Mercedes hate VW. The fake car in front looked like a VW Touran. The error was that the Mercedes didn't accelerate.
#TP GamerBoy33 Volkswagen was created under nsdap ruling, to bring cars to the normal people (it’s also what the name means, Volks=people Wagen=can be roughy transplanted to car) Bmw was making plane engines and Mercedes cars for the nsdap and those who had the money back then.
Insurance companies should give a discount proportionate to the percentage of rear end accidents under 55mph for drivers of this Volvo... Great tech!!!
The problem is this tech costs so much to replace in minor accidents that there's 0 overall cost savings from an insurance perspective. I'd still rather have this any day though, it's just not going to lower your rates.
+mcstyle24 Yep, Mercedes really blamaged themselves here. The only thing to say in there defense, is that this S-Class is 11 years old by now. The current generation is said have improved a lot in these collision prevention systems.
***** Compared to what? Most of them is very well done. There is a reason why half of east europe and africa is driving old MBs, because they are the only ones still working.
+mcstyle24 This model doesn't prevent a collision. Mercedes said it themselves. It applies up to 40-60% of the braking. Not 100%. The newer models now apply up to 100%.
+samin90 Yes , yes it would. It would be the winner in that test since the new technology in the S class actually swerves and brakes when you are about to crash therefore completely out of range to hit the car in front. The new collision prevention assist is 100 times better now than it was in this test.
***** Are you seriously expecting decade old technology to have been perfect when it was introduced as a new concept all those years ago? It's like complaining that the GM EV1 didn't have the same range as a Tesla Model S. Have a sense of reality.
This is a fantastic advert for Volvo but a surprising shocker for the Merc. I had expected the Merc to be equal the Volvo if not leading but obviously far from it.
The Volvo stops the car when driven at an stationary object from 50kmh the Mercedes 30kmh. Both are good. When the target is moving the Mercedes works to 80kmh the Volvo to 88kmh. Not much different. I suspect these systems will be mainly needed when a vehicle ahead has braked suddenly so scenario 2 is more likely, or the driver has been distracted in bumper to bumper traffic. Mercedes E class is now the first car with full autonomous driving, but only below 30kmh but it works in bumper to bumper traffic. The tests Mercedes carries out involve cyclists, pedestrians and motor cyclists. That wasn't tested.
William Jones-Halibut Today in 2018, three years after your comment, Volvo has invented and implemented so much innovative safety systems that it is almost impossible to crash one of their vehicles and claim that you weren't warned ahead of the accident. Read more here : www.volvocars.com/intl/about/our-company/heritage/innovations
Mercedes fan boy. The reality is that the Mercedes wasn't that great. This isn't just any other Mercedes, its an S-Class. The Volvo is many more classes below it. The Mercedes failed on the stationary object which could be a pedestrian.
MaZEEZaM : As an owner of Mercedes for the 1952, I can see and feel the quality of the brand deteriorated and become more and more in par with the Japanese makes. Meanwhile, BMW gave me perfect satisfaction, no comparison to MB brand. Very disappointing. At one time, I like the brand so much I own ten of them. Today ? Nada, none, zilch... something wrong over there in Germany.
+VestedUTuber Regardless, people might be changing song on the radio, or watching another accident or incident on the right side and then end up into collision.
+Ahmet Murati That's still on the driver. You shouldn't be messing with the console when the vehicle is moving, and if you have to, do it step-by-step and check your surroundings between each step, use the wheel mounted controls which are pretty much available on practically anything that isn't bottom-of-the-barrel, or use a hands-free system like what's included with a number of cars by Mercedes.
The base 2017 Prius is rated safer by NCAP and IIHS. It comes standard with AEB (with pedestrian detection), lane assist, radar cruise and powerful LED headlights with auto hi-beam. It has 3 braking systems: regen, engine and friction so there is less brake fade and longer pad life. The Prius hood has no sharp edge so it reduces pedestrian injuries. Exceptional reliability and saving money on fuel are not the only reasons to buy one.
Bottom line: Keep your f*cking eyes on the road. How about this: A sensor in the car seat which assrapes you when you're distracted. Too harsh???? Helll nooooo ( I saw someone texting on a motorbike last summer.)
Yes, agreed. I've heard saying that the most efficient security "gadget" would be that the driver seatbealt would be taken off and a sharp 20 cm spike be fixed to the center of your steering wheel. I bet people would drive carefully :)
Ummm… yeah- how about a system that gives the drivers a MILD electric shock through the seat, and possibly the steering wheel? I don’t really think that getting “assraped” by your car is going to be a popular option for most buyers (but there’s probably a few potential customers for that feature…). It reminds me of that episode of South Park when Mr. Garrison invented a one wheeled vehicle that had two dildos…
All of these systems are impressive! This iteration of the Mercedes autonomous braking system, however, wasn't designed to prevent collisions without any driver input. The system was designed to warn the driver of a possible imminent crash, and when the driver applies braking power, the system calculates if the braking power is sufficient and then augments that input if it determines the braking force is not great enough. In the owner's manual, Mercedes specifically states that it will only automatically apply braking power without driver input if it determines a collision is unavoidable and then the braking input is only designed to reduce the force of the collision, not prevent it. I am not a Mercedes engineer, but these systems do have false positives at times, and Mercedes was possibly concerned about the system initiating a panic stop in a false-positive situation. Applying 100% of the braking power to prevent a frontal collision also increases the likelihood of a rear-end collision from the car behind, so I would say the Mercedes system is not better or worse, it just adopts a different philosophy of trying to minimize injury in possible collisions.
So you mean to say (with a straight face) that the merc's system is not worse then the volvo's because it "has a different philosophy". Your joking right? The merc crashed and performed pitifully, did you even watch the same video we all did??? And to your argument about rear end collisions, I think 99% of people would want to have this system to prevent front end collisions and take their chances on the rear end ones. Having avoided an imminent front collision from happening and also ending up having a rear end one is highly unlikely and I for one will take my chances, once again always avoiding the certain front end collision (obviously up to certian speeds) with a small risk of a rear one. To say the merc's system is no worse is foolish and stupid. And your right your not an engineer. Volvo>Merc
Shannon Suber That's exactly what I'm saying. Both systems are designed to protect vehicle occupants and reduce the chance of injury. All this test shows is that the Volvo system is able to prevent frontal crashes in situations where there is no input from the driver -- it is better than the Mercedes system in this one aspect, but again Mercedes specifically engineered their system NOT to do this. Which system reduces the chance of a subsequent rear end collision better (thereby lowering chance of a multi car pileup)? Which system works better if the driver initiates a panic stop? Which system recognizes pedestrians better? Which system has fewer false positives? We cannot answer these questions from the data presented and so cannot determine which system is truly "better." Both Volvo and Mercedes have impressive records with regards to automobile safety, and in this case, they have taken different approaches to designing safety systems to reduce the chance of injury. See below for Mercedes' take on the matter (taken directly from their literature). They decided the car would only assist the driver and intervene if a crash is unavoidable and thereby reduce the total amount of autonomous braking the car will perform (possibly to reduce risk of rear end collision and a disastrous multi-car crash on the freeway). Volvo's approach was to apply more braking power and try to prevent the frontal collision (possibly increasing risk of a rear end collision). You would prefer Volvo's approach. Others might prefer Mercedes' take on the matter. Neither is better, IMO. Both, thank goodness, likely have saved lives.
Shannon Suber From: www.mbusa.com/mercedes/benz/safety#module-1 "Even a moment of driver distraction can have life-changing results. With DISTRONIC PLUS, advanced radar sensors vigilantly scan traffic ahead for stopped or slowing traffic. If the system senses that a collision is imminent, its PRE-SAFE Brake feature automatically initiates up to 40% braking power, audibly alerts the driver, and engages the PRE-SAFE system. When the driver brakes, 100% braking pressure is instantly applied. And should the driver fail to respond, the system can apply full braking on its own, serving as an "electronic crumple zone" to help reduce the intensity of a collision. "
I suppose that the system only works when it is switched on. I remember when they showed an S-Class on Top Gear, the S-class hit an object with great force, because they forgot to switch anti-crash system on. The front of the car was completely smashed to pieces.
Volvo may also have the highest amount of false positives (brake when it shouldn't) and rear collisions from following cars, it's a double edge sword. Research events where cars auto braked when they shouldn't
+micosan we have ice every year and they dont do a good job in cleaning the roads ABS works realy whel ofc u dont slam it like an idiot u know whit feel
Nagy Janos Florian yes they do activate but they only help you from maybe avoiding objects.. they don't make you stop any faster :D Which is the whole point of ABS anyway.. And on clear ice it wouldn't be much of a difference with or without abs.
+Nagy Janos Florian ABS does not do ANYTHING on ice, as ice = 0 traction. The only way ABS will save your ass is if you hit a patch of show, salt, etc. But if you tried slamming the breaks on a skating rink the pedal would pulsate but you wouldn't be getting traction anytime soon. Also the whole point of ABS is to be engaged when you do a panic stop -- at least thats what the Mini Cooper manual says.
The Mercedes system is good. The car does indeed slow down and regulate the speed if you turn on the cruise control. When you are doing the throttle and brakes, the S-class doesn't apply full braking force. It applies 40%. That is more than enough to alert you, so you do the rest. The Volvo (as usually) just slams on the brakes hard. And that could lead to another accident. Cause your Volvo brakes hard, but the car behind you, might not. So you could get rear-ended cause of your system. The Mercedes applies the brakes (not fully) and flashes the taillights.
I'd rather be hit from BEHIND and not be at fault than rear end someone and be at fault. Plus just because the Volvo halts itself doesn't mean you WILL be rear ended. If the person behind is following at a SAFE distance you should be able to brake to a halt ASAP-that is WHY the vast majority of rear enders are deemed at FAULT. Also there maybe no one immediately behind you.
Megadumbass. you are really saying its better to hit the guy in front so you dont cause someone to hit you from behind? Hopefully in 8 years you learned something
So, the Mercedes; once cars of absolute quality and the forefront of safety, has lost against an £11,000 city car made by Volkswagen. The Volvo one didn't surprise, they, they have been the real pioneers of safety, but good on the VW. Mercedes are nothing like they used to be. Very embarrassing for a near £80k car.
Oliver Newell The Mercedes system is designed so you don't get rear-ended when the brakes are slammed on. The S Class could brake a lot harder. The car has clearly detected the impending crash (it beeps to warn the driver), but it never runs into ABS.
Son37Lumiere It's a design decision. Mercedes were - as is often the case - first to market with their system. That's why their design is more conservative than others. What if the system misinterprets the situation and applies emergency breaks when it's not necessary? You get rear-ended, lots of angry arguments and lawsuits against Mercedes ensue. Their strategy was to alert the driver way ahead of the crash and should there be no reaction, to reduce the impact and try to prevent injuries and mass accidents. Their newer system built on years of experience is much more capable.
I personally would much rather avoid rear ending someone else and get rear ended because the person doing the rear ending is always at fault. If they were traveling at a safe distance and speed they would be able to avoid it. Besides, there may not even be anyone behind you but you still end up rear ending someone because of Mercedes conservative choices.
no real surprise there with volvo being the safest. I always associated volvo with being safe and there are looking better and better if you look at the last decade of their cars
+Ahmed Nabil Actually that´s not the most true fact though. Yes the Volvo XC90 has been given the award from Euro Ncap for being the safest car to crash in but technology wise Mercedes is the safest. The best car to avoid a crash in is Mercedes especially the new S class since the technology has gotten a big update that will outperforrm any of those vehicles in this particular test.
The Mercedes W221 will only brake up to 40% brakeing power which is why it is doing what it does - I think it was done for legal reasons (you get silly decisions when they get involved) . I use Distronic mainly on the freeways and only in slow creeping traffic for which it's brilliant for. Theses systems are an aid to being alert and attentive and are not a replacement.
Distronic plus though is NOT designed to stop you in a possible collision. Collision prevention assist plus and collision prevention assist however does do it and does it very well. Distronic plus is designed to keep a safe distance to a vehicle in front of you and it works together with the autopilot too.
No you'er just talking about adaptive cruise control which almost all modern cars have, just accept the fact the some car companies make better safety systems then Merc like this Volvo for exemple, and so you know the VW adaptive cruise control associated with lane assist and collision prevention (more sophisticated then the one in this VW Up) have been proven to stop the car before a crash whilst the Merc one failed on multiple tests (including one against a real car).
abd bach did you actually read my comment?! I mentioned that the system they blamed here for not stopping a collision is the wrong system mentioned which is why i mentioned collision prevention assist plus because that is the system that does prevent crashes and it works very well i should know since i have tested it in my merc.
Well, the reviewers should read the manuals first. Mercedes will let you to do whatever you want until 0.6 sec before the collision is unavoidable, then apply the brakes to minimize the impact. If you just touch the brake pedal it will apply all force available to brake before you hit the car at front with minimal distance, to give the driver behind you enough time to stop as well, not to mention the flashing brake lights to get the attention of the driver behind and stop before he hits you and push you to the car at front as well....so you end you end up with same damage anyway. Anyway, I drive one of these, and it always give me warning before the sharp 90 degrees turn where the static road sign is installed, but as i accelerate and then I do sharp turn it wont interfere the driving. I wonder if the others can do the same without interfering my driving and perhaps brake before I have the chance to turn. Anyway, read the manual before you review. The demo video of S class AMG engineer demonstrating this feature is also somewhere here on you-tube.
Anyway it should not perform any less good than at any other brand. It should apply full breaking force just 0.1 or 0.2 sec sooner....that can not be so difficult to adjust. (Driving new CLS and feel the system warns and acts just a little late.)
ericiscoolllll the driver who makes contact is always cited for failure to maintain clear distance and their insurance pays to fix repair your car. plus a hit from the rear will put you back into your seat for injury protection.
I'm sure not many people have owned W221 S-class so they probably don't know about it. It's not that Mercedes system isn't good enough, but it's matter of setting. For Volvo and other vehicles, they apply maximum braking force to avoid collision. However for Mercedes, especially on W221 chassis, DTR plus only applies up to 40% of maximum braking force and you can find that in owner's manual. The difference is other systems slam on the brake for you while Mercedes is just telling you to slam on the brake. If you apply brakes when the car beeps which is intended when designing the system, you shouldn't have a collision. But honestly if you're the person who doesn't pay attention to the road or warning system but can only avoid an accident when the car does it for you, then I softly recommend you not to drive and save other people's life.
Actually the BAS, from what I can tell, only helps the car apply the brakes faster. So for example if the car senses that the driver suddenly jumped on the brakes and he/she is applying only 50% brakes (because most people aren't used to emergency braking or whatever), the car will immediately apply 100% brakeforce. But this only works after driver intervention. The one showed in the video is automatic. My guess is that the Mercedes' infrared sensors aren't that good as the volvo's. Ultrasonic sensors can only "see" for a few meters, so those can't be used reliably.
as a mercedes owner I have to say I'm disappointed. but I'm also the person who thinks a person should drive the car and not a computer. stop messing with your radio and cell phones and you don't need this kind of option
Harpzification That's how a system should work, like on the Volvo: by default. If you have to configure 100 options for it to work properly...it's a fail.
But what if the computer does a better job? what if it saves your live? even the old fashioned abs saved my arse. then the esp prevented a worse outcome. sooner or later computers will drive much better than a human can do. they are already preventing accidents. in a few years it will be required by law. simply because the computer is better wether you like it or not...
Very cool test. I wonder how the Honda Sensing package in my 2016 Civic compares to these? It's quite sensitive with the visual and auditory alerts but I don't think I've had it engage the brakes on its own yet. I'd love to see a similar test with the new Honda system.
I had this kick in on a Merc Truck when cars suddenly stopped dead on the Motorway and boy it stopped the truck dead! I was beyond impressed, even today, years later I'm still stunned how the system stopped the truck in such a short distance. Brilliant!!
You know a few years ago we simply knew how to drive. Anybody remember when people were aware of their surroundings and didn't just put their car wherever they feel like even if there's a car barrelling towards them?
Yoda on DMT Sorry but when was this magical time? In the UK at least accidents from death and major injuries are decreasing (well apart from crazy amounts of whiplash from false claims) despite more cars then ever before being on the road... Now whilst it should of course not be relied on as you should pay attention to the road and not use it as reason to be distracted ,some idiots still don't pay attention and its impossible to police these idiots as you will see in the comments of the video people still text.... so for myself i feel safer knowing that that as time goes on and more people drive and the percentage of these sort of people naturally increase the technology will get better so i wont get rear ended by some wanker texting his mates. So don't do the standard and say "it was better in my day" because it was not. Things have never be better as much as people like to complain about how cars are not as sturdy now or driving tests are easier or that we live in a nanny state....just don't say it because it is all bollocks.
Yoda on DMT So fucking what?, We also had legs to turn on and off our TVs we still made remote controls. We also knew how to squeeze brakes properly during an emergency stop, we still invented ABS, why hate on technology that makes you safer. Okay you're a great driver, then you won't need the technology, makes no difference to you. Even the best drivers make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes, also in modern times, there's a WHOLE lot more cars on the road that are heavy and at least 100bhp per tonne compared to say 20 30 years ago. Why not be safer if you can, how on earth does it hurt you to be safer.
so presumably they would have hit you either way? 2 cars involved is still 1 car saved when you compare it against this system being used. it's still reducing accidents. still works.
and the point of this was to make the point that it should be standard. If the car behind you has it equipped as well, he should be coming to a stop after you do.
Like the guy said at the end. These systems improve with every year and are now even standard in budget cars. The technology in the s class was 8 years old at time. Car technology, especially safety features improved so much in the past 10 years, it's crazy.
+Dylan Z It has reflectors, sensors, accelerometers and reacts the same as a normal car, but of course you would know better than engineers at one of the worlds most advanced centres of automotive engineering and technology - Thatcham.
Katacus that is also a very old Mercedes, a old 2013 maybe 2012. My father has a 2015 S600 Luxury, fully loaded and ti has auto braking, and it works phenomenal. It warns us at alerts us early. We haven't ever had to sue it but it constantly monitors the road and watches for dangers. But, my fathers car is also around 120k$. Or, 150 thousand pounds. So if you have the money I extremely recommend the car. Or, my mum's Tesls. It works phenomenal as well for the same price.
I am a huge Mercedes fan. But i am a bit disappointed. Although i can see that they are using an old S-Class whose anti crash systems might have been outdated. I'm sure the new 2014 S-class is as good as or even may be better than its competitors.
But they were going based on what the manufacturer claimed. And again, even if the is old, the system should still work, when you buy a car, you expect everything to work until the car gives in
lets not forget they are testing the old S-Class at the end of its career, it is normal for its systems to be a bit out-of-date. i guess the new S-class systems will be as good as the Volvo ones
mercedes probably works on the assumption that the driver will not ignore the collission warning. But will apply the brakes automatically to minimise the impact speed
I tried a awd volvo recently and it had adaptive cruise control and this autobrake stuff. I did not test the autobrake, but the adaptive cruise control sucks. If you are in a curve the car do not understand that you are turning (it could check the steering wheel) and if it does not "see" the car in the curve in front of you even if it's right there it will speed up again in the curve and getting very close to the car in front. Not good - does not work well I think. Also the AWD system sucked. The salesperson told me that I would not even notice that the AWD system connected the rear wheels, but I tried it up a slope where my subaru have no problems, the volvo was "waving" because the front wheels slipped too much. I am sure the volvo have better build quality than my 08 subaru outback, but the awd was not good and the adaptive cruise control can't be trusted!
I have a 215 V60 D4 AWD, bought june 2014, with adaptive cruice control and if i turn the steering wheel it will keep the speed reduced based on the amount i turn the steering wheel. Althought, it first need to have the speed reduced and that is based on any object in front. Example, i have a car in front that slows down for an roundabout, my car slows down, the other car enters the roundabout and so do i a second later, becuase i am turrning it will not increase speed when the other car exits one exit before me, it will keep speed reduced and not until i straighten it up again it will incresae spee again.
Rickard Hansson I can only speak for the car I tested, but roundabouts was no problem - it was on about 80kmh in sharp long curves (Norwegian roads just for the record). The car in front of me was "out of sight" for the headlights of the Volvo but still perfectly visible. The car speeded up and I had to brake! Don't get me wrong - when it worked it was ok but the point is that it can't be trusted!
If you read what I wrote the car could have read the steering wheel position and not accelerated until it was straight again. That would at least have been safer than just assuming that the car in front of you disappeared, while doing a curve, and when driving at normal speed. Let's try again shall we?!
So the AWD suck because it don't match a Subaru? Subarus have the best AWD for regular cars on the market since it's permanent....Volvo use Haldex, the car is FWD until they slip and the back wheels are given power. Nothing fancy but it works okay all year around on scandinavian roads.
In the Mercedes u can change the distance for automatic breaking it could help change the results Mercedes have saved me many times. Plus that Mercedes is older
So what happens if someone drives across the front of you? Close, but so you wouldn't hit. Would the system apply hard brakes and cause a nose to tail with someone behind you?
is there a system out there that can detect red traffic light signals and automatically brake? so many drivers trying to beat the traffic light these days i would help if something like that were possible...
The video is miss leading regarding the system in the merc. The system called distronic plus by design and purpose can only use up to 40% of total braking force. It's designed to reduce the severity of the crash to make it more survivable. It's not designed to completely stop the w221. Not sure if the newer w222 has been upgraded to come to a full stop autonomously.
You can easily factor in the weight of the car into the distance you need to slow the car down. It's really just a simple multiplicator in the computing when you have to brake. Whenever you get at the point of the minimum distance you need to slow the car down without crashing into the object, the system should kick in. Remarkebly, both failed at about 60 mph.
What you forgot to tell is that with that 2000£ option on the Volvo, you get stuff like, pedestrian detection (with full autobrake), BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), adaptive cruise control and so on.
What happens when there's debris (ice, snow, mud, etc) on the bumper/windshield/grille? I can see that these systems work just fine under ideal circumstances...but what happens under "real-world" testing?
+steven watson Drivers are unthinking morons this is just stopping them from acting like morons. And don't tell me you never take your eyes off the road not even for a second.
I know what you are saying,but think about it .A kitchen knife ,has no warning "bleeper".Think about it.If knives need to talk to us,are we going in the right direction?
Well you don’t use a knife continually for 2 hours straight and if you need to do anything while using the knife you can put the knife down and do whatever you need to do. Cars/Driving requires your full attention constantly. Which humans cannot do.
my bmw 325da 2008 have adaptive cruise control which reaches 180kmh cruise speed and I have tried to drive around 180kmh on cruise and when a car in front of me is driving like 100-130kmh my car automaticly brakes and does not crash! and that is at speed 180kmh or like 120mph ish.. maybe the s-class is too heavy to slow down enough??..
In the W211 E500 I drive, I can set the distance of the DISTRONIC. Really close or Far away. Perhaps 5th gear should have changed the distance that DISTRONIC engages?
Fredrik Kalgren I guess that you both have to read the manual of the Mercedes... they never said, that the car is able to avoid an accident in such a situation... if the car beeps and shows the red triangle in the speedometer, than you have to apply the breaks. Just a gentle step on the break and "BAS +" will do the rest by increasing the break pressure if needed.
The Esseboy If you can't be 100% concentrated on the road you shouldn't be fucking driving in the first fucking place. Don't tell me, you one of the idiots who text while driving.
tavi921 Dont tell me you are one of those drivers who stare at the road like the world depended on it....yea, I might text a one liner while driving, but it take along time...like over a minute. What I meant was that you cant have 100% concentration at all time, you eventually start thinking about something else!
The Esseboy Yes, I AM one of those drivers who pay attention to the road all the time, because my life DOES depend on it. Damn I'm good. I can sniff TWD through the internet.
One more thing that shows the Mercedes are overrated, and they stopped making good cars. Volvo is one of those brands that are underrated, and they deserve to be more popular.
Despite the fact that this video is not the newest? But i am really interessted to get to know more about it. Could it be that these radars where made to "find" cars "made of steel"? I mean, the dummy is made of soft materials. Could that explain why the Mercedes hits the dummy? Some kind of "Stealth-effect"? Wouldn't it be better then to have an optical System to?
Scientifically the video is misleading and misrepresenting the different technologies capabilities and also not putting it into perspective. The "dummy target" is designed to simulate a vehicle ONLY and ONLY to laser based safety systems, which is why the laser systems performs really well. It is technically not representing a real car, because real cars are not made out of soft foam. Real cars are made from steel and radars are designed to detect steel which is a good radio reflective material. If the dummy was made from steel the radar would have seen it from around 250m away. Lets put the shoe on the other foot: Create a "dummy target" from steel with faded, non retro-reflective plates. For example use a clean, polished square-shape old VW golf either in black or red colour and approach it from a slight angle. I will guarantee the lasers will miss this car completely. Now drive at typical safety critical speeds and both the VW and Volvo occupants will get hurt or be killed. But besides the test that was not fair, the fact that low speed safety mechanisms saves one money in minor rear-end collisions and that may or may not be worth the money you pay for it. Everyone need to consider what the probability is that they will cause a rear-end collision in the life of the car. I have had one in 22 years of driving that cost me less than the system cost. So for me it will be a waste. However I would pay ten times as much for a system that will save my life or my family's life, that operates at higher speeds. So the test in the video discredits radar and applaud laser sensors. I do not agree and neither does high-end manufacturers and other safety specialists as can be seen by the types of systems they fit to cars. A full spectrum sensor (visible, infrared and microwave-radar) is ultimately the most reliable under the widest range of (1) important and (2) likely conditions. OK I must give in that this probably does not represent a scientific test and are glad that Fifth Gear did raise awareness. For this reason I am highlighting the true facts.
actually you are wrong my friend :P. the material is made of is like oobleck its solid but force makes it soft so you dont damage the cars. also it failed even the euro ncap test even with a real car. Research is your friend :)
Would be VERY interesting how my Transit Connect wagon ( tournero connect in eu) would cope with ONLY a camera, that's the reason I have it on high sensitivity. It did beep me when an escape cut me off, but it wasn't so close!
Well, you forgot the Mercedes is the favorite MAFIA's car..:)) So you thinck those guys will still buy them if the car will auto stop when you need to crash into someone to throw him out of a bridge ?:)) This feature on a Mercedes will be bad busyness ! Capisci ?
New! AEB safety system available in some cars.. However not new for me. Over 47 years ago this system was in use by me. It's voice operated en named Regina, my wife.
To those who say Mercedes "failed"--This model doesn't prevent a collision. Mercedes said it themselves. It applies up to 40-60% of the braking. Not 100%. The newer models now apply up to 100%.
Can be as you said, Merc is a bit heavier also, that makes difference. Did you understand this: " The Volvo managed to stop the test at 28 miles per hour but the Mercedes didn't, in fact the expert tells us that the fact ... conductive towards the static target is 15 miles per hour." How goes the whole sentence?
stupid video, that mercedes benz system is for adaptive cruise control, the car will stop when the front car break to stop, but for completely stop object, the system will only brake like 60% to wake you up. this is an older s class than the other too as well. So Mercedes benz was not as good but different system set up, new distronic beat them all
Mercedes-Benz’s Distronic Plus is able to either bring the car to a stop, or reduce the speed of the impact and the radio is switched off when the audible tone is played
does these systems know the road conditions? they stop at the very latest possible time and that's on dry, clean asphalt. If there was just a bit of damp road surface it'd be too late if the system doesn't compensate for it.
The mercedes is more than 10 years old and you are comparing it to a 1 year old Volvo. Those systems on the mercedes were innovation and really good for its age.
Ok, let this German explain. Everyone knows Mercedes hate VW. The fake car in front looked like a VW Touran. The error was that the Mercedes didn't accelerate.
VW and merc are like brothers they both are from germany
But it weren’t a Volkswagen were the fake car plaque thingy
Haha it's so funny man! Cool comment! Like it!
#TP GamerBoy33 Volkswagen was created under nsdap ruling, to bring cars to the normal people (it’s also what the name means, Volks=people Wagen=can be roughy transplanted to car) Bmw was making plane engines and Mercedes cars for the nsdap and those who had the money back then.
@@petrosrz8990 yeah duh
Insurance companies should give a discount proportionate to the percentage of rear end accidents under 55mph for drivers of this Volvo... Great tech!!!
The problem is this tech costs so much to replace in minor accidents that there's 0 overall cost savings from an insurance perspective. I'd still rather have this any day though, it's just not going to lower your rates.
Lets not forget that volvo invented the 3 point seat belt that we all use today.
And Mercedes for the ESP and ABS
And mercedes for the airbag
@@omarmontana1969 incorrect technically both Chrysler
@@zlawson8312 incorrect, technically GM/ford
@@DjAlyX1 mercedes actually invented systems that actually worked
Volvo is always known for making safety car in the world. So I'm not suprise about this.
I'm surprised Mercedes is a failure in that test.
+mcstyle24 Yep, Mercedes really blamaged themselves here. The only thing to say in there defense, is that this S-Class is 11 years old by now. The current generation is said have improved a lot in these collision prevention systems.
maybe its radar scans for metal cars xD
***** Compared to what?
Most of them is very well done. There is a reason why half of east europe and africa is driving old MBs, because they are the only ones still working.
+mcstyle24 the mercedes did fail the test because he used the sterring wheel and the car tought hes acting on his own and actually paying attention
+mcstyle24 This model doesn't prevent a collision. Mercedes said it themselves. It applies up to 40-60% of the braking. Not 100%. The newer models now apply up to 100%.
221 S class already is 8 years old, try with new 222 and all will be ok
SO - Volvo has continuously updated their City Safety and BLIS systems in existing models. Volvo doesn't wait for a new model to make improvements!
So you're saying Merc technology doesn't last?
Poor Mercedes, it weighs like 5000lbs and has an older system, and was nearly a decade old at that point. I'm sure the new S class would fare better.
+samin90 Yes , yes it would. It would be the winner in that test since the new technology in the S class actually swerves and brakes when you are about to crash therefore completely out of range to hit the car in front. The new collision prevention assist is 100 times better now than it was in this test.
***** Are you seriously expecting decade old technology to have been perfect when it was introduced as a new concept all those years ago?
It's like complaining that the GM EV1 didn't have the same range as a Tesla Model S.
Have a sense of reality.
Nope, the volvo was 2012, merc was 2011. And volvo had it since 2011 as well on v40. And it was still better.
Karlis Sarkans That generation of S class is refereed to as the W221, which was introduced way back in 2005
+samin90 I had a 2012 S class and that system was very old. Now I have the 2014 W222 S class, and that thing will tell me if I'm going out of my lane
This is a fantastic advert for Volvo but a surprising shocker for the Merc. I had expected the Merc to be equal the Volvo if not leading but obviously far from it.
The Volvo stops the car when driven at an stationary object from 50kmh the Mercedes 30kmh. Both are good. When the target is moving the Mercedes works to 80kmh the Volvo to 88kmh. Not much different. I suspect these systems will be mainly needed when a vehicle ahead has braked suddenly so scenario 2 is more likely, or the driver has been distracted in bumper to bumper traffic. Mercedes E class is now the first car with full autonomous driving, but only below 30kmh but it works in bumper to bumper traffic. The tests Mercedes carries out involve cyclists, pedestrians and motor cyclists. That wasn't tested.
William Jones-Halibut Today in 2018, three years after your comment, Volvo has invented and implemented so much innovative safety systems that it is almost impossible to crash one of their vehicles and claim that you weren't warned ahead of the accident.
Read more here : www.volvocars.com/intl/about/our-company/heritage/innovations
In 2016 NCAP testing, the XC90 was the only vehicle to score a 100% on anti-collision testing. I believe no car has matched this score since then.
Mercedes fan boy. The reality is that the Mercedes wasn't that great. This isn't just any other Mercedes, its an S-Class. The Volvo is many more classes below it. The Mercedes failed on the stationary object which could be a pedestrian.
MaZEEZaM : As an owner of Mercedes for the 1952, I can see and feel the quality of the brand deteriorated and become more and more in par with the Japanese makes. Meanwhile, BMW gave me perfect satisfaction, no comparison to MB brand. Very disappointing. At one time, I like the brand so much I own ten of them. Today ?
Nada, none, zilch... something wrong over there in Germany.
The ultimate anti-crash is being a good driver. No amount of gadgets and features will replace that.
+VestedUTuber Regardless, people might be changing song on the radio, or watching another accident or incident on the right side and then end up into collision.
+Ahmet Murati
That's still on the driver. You shouldn't be messing with the console when the vehicle is moving, and if you have to, do it step-by-step and check your surroundings between each step, use the wheel mounted controls which are pretty much available on practically anything that isn't bottom-of-the-barrel, or use a hands-free system like what's included with a number of cars by Mercedes.
+VestedUTuber Good driver tip: always try to have the moron infront of you.
+agun17
A better tip is to focus on your driving and only worry about other people if they are a danger to you.
VestedUTuber
That's how you determine who is the moron.
Volvo is the champion when it comes to safety
Varun Bhattacharyya new mercedes are safe that's a older one
Varun Bhattacharyya not in everything
John Smith Sorry? I'm talking about the category of safety.
Look at the new e class
The base 2017 Prius is rated safer by NCAP and IIHS. It comes standard with AEB (with pedestrian detection), lane assist, radar cruise and powerful LED headlights with auto hi-beam. It has 3 braking systems: regen, engine and friction so there is less brake fade and longer pad life. The Prius hood has no sharp edge so it reduces pedestrian injuries. Exceptional reliability and saving money on fuel are not the only reasons to buy one.
Sooooo what happens when the car behind you doesnt have this?
hopefully theyre not as stupud as the drivers who need this and can actually use their brain to press the brake.
@metro2002 SO TRUE XD
U gettin a big check😏
@@TEAMOLOVESYU lol
then you're f*cked
Bottom line: Keep your f*cking eyes on the road. How about this: A sensor in the car seat which assrapes you when you're distracted. Too harsh???? Helll nooooo ( I saw someone texting on a motorbike last summer.)
Yes, agreed.
I've heard saying that the most efficient security "gadget" would be that the driver seatbealt would be taken off and a sharp 20 cm spike be fixed to the center of your steering wheel. I bet people would drive carefully :)
Ummm… yeah- how about a system that gives the drivers a MILD electric shock through the seat, and possibly the steering wheel? I don’t really think that getting “assraped” by your car is going to be a popular option for most buyers (but there’s probably a few potential customers for that feature…). It reminds me of that episode of South Park when Mr. Garrison invented a one wheeled vehicle that had two dildos…
a sensor which tases you
1:21 I love how Tiff gives it a shove and says "Are you sure?" to make sure he's not being bullshitted
It's because the Mercedes is smarter than the other cars it knows which is a real car or fake.
no it doesnt xD
its "smart" radar actually failed on multiple tests (even with a real car).
True true true !!!!!
Jay Chamberlain Yes,funny
So its ok to drive into other objects? Right.
All of these systems are impressive! This iteration of the Mercedes autonomous braking system, however, wasn't designed to prevent collisions without any driver input. The system was designed to warn the driver of a possible imminent crash, and when the driver applies braking power, the system calculates if the braking power is sufficient and then augments that input if it determines the braking force is not great enough. In the owner's manual, Mercedes specifically states that it will only automatically apply braking power without driver input if it determines a collision is unavoidable and then the braking input is only designed to reduce the force of the collision, not prevent it. I am not a Mercedes engineer, but these systems do have false positives at times, and Mercedes was possibly concerned about the system initiating a panic stop in a false-positive situation. Applying 100% of the braking power to prevent a frontal collision also increases the likelihood of a rear-end collision from the car behind, so I would say the Mercedes system is not better or worse, it just adopts a different philosophy of trying to minimize injury in possible collisions.
So you mean to say (with a straight face) that the merc's system is not worse then the volvo's because it "has a different philosophy". Your joking right? The merc crashed and performed pitifully, did you even watch the same video we all did??? And to your argument about rear end collisions, I think 99% of people would want to have this system to prevent front end collisions and take their chances on the rear end ones. Having avoided an imminent front collision from happening and also ending up having a rear end one is highly unlikely and I for one will take my chances, once again always avoiding the certain front end collision (obviously up to certian speeds) with a small risk of a rear one. To say the merc's system is no worse is foolish and stupid. And your right your not an engineer.
Volvo>Merc
Shannon Suber
That's exactly what I'm saying. Both systems are designed to protect vehicle occupants and reduce the chance of injury. All this test shows is that the Volvo system is able to prevent frontal crashes in situations where there is no input from the driver -- it is better than the Mercedes system in this one aspect, but again Mercedes specifically engineered their system NOT to do this. Which system reduces the chance of a subsequent rear end collision better (thereby lowering chance of a multi car pileup)? Which system works better if the driver initiates a panic stop? Which system recognizes pedestrians better? Which system has fewer false positives? We cannot answer these questions from the data presented and so cannot determine which system is truly "better." Both Volvo and Mercedes have impressive records with regards to automobile safety, and in this case, they have taken different approaches to designing safety systems to reduce the chance of injury. See below for Mercedes' take on the matter (taken directly from their literature). They decided the car would only assist the driver and intervene if a crash is unavoidable and thereby reduce the total amount of autonomous braking the car will perform (possibly to reduce risk of rear end collision and a disastrous multi-car crash on the freeway). Volvo's approach was to apply more braking power and try to prevent the frontal collision (possibly increasing risk of a rear end collision). You would prefer Volvo's approach. Others might prefer Mercedes' take on the matter. Neither is better, IMO. Both, thank goodness, likely have saved lives.
Shannon Suber
From: www.mbusa.com/mercedes/benz/safety#module-1
"Even a moment of driver distraction can have life-changing results. With DISTRONIC PLUS, advanced radar sensors vigilantly scan traffic ahead for stopped or slowing traffic. If the system senses that a collision is imminent, its PRE-SAFE Brake feature automatically initiates up to 40% braking power, audibly alerts the driver, and engages the PRE-SAFE system. When the driver brakes, 100% braking pressure is instantly applied. And should the driver fail to respond, the system can apply full braking on its own, serving as an "electronic crumple zone" to help reduce the intensity of a collision. "
Volvos are great cars
yeap, Volvo has saved my life a couple of times :)
+StarGaming maybe you should be a better driver. jeez a couple times...
+stufoo Lol i dont even have a driving license.
now that, is impressive
+stufoo :Ddd
I suppose that the system only works when it is switched on. I remember when they showed an S-Class on Top Gear, the S-class hit an object with great force, because they forgot to switch anti-crash system on. The front of the car was completely smashed to pieces.
I'm not surprised that Volvo prevailed in this test, for Volvo has always been a safety pioneer.
Volvo may also have the highest amount of false positives (brake when it shouldn't) and rear collisions from following cars, it's a double edge sword. Research events where cars auto braked when they shouldn't
Try that on an icy road and see what happens! :)
+micosan the modern ABS sistems let u brake on ice, my fiat doblo 2010 has a superb ABS sistem and my 2001 mercedes not so much :))
Nagy Janos Florian Have you ever driven on ice? Here we have ice half the year almost.. And believe me.. No ABS can cope with ice.
+micosan we have ice every year and they dont do a good job in cleaning the roads ABS works realy whel ofc u dont slam it like an idiot u know whit feel
Nagy Janos Florian yes they do activate but they only help you from maybe avoiding objects.. they don't make you stop any faster :D Which is the whole point of ABS anyway.. And on clear ice it wouldn't be much of a difference with or without abs.
+Nagy Janos Florian ABS does not do ANYTHING on ice, as ice = 0 traction. The only way ABS will save your ass is if you hit a patch of show, salt, etc. But if you tried slamming the breaks on a skating rink the pedal would pulsate but you wouldn't be getting traction anytime soon. Also the whole point of ABS is to be engaged when you do a panic stop -- at least thats what the Mini Cooper manual says.
The Mercedes system is good. The car does indeed slow down and regulate the speed if you turn on the cruise control.
When you are doing the throttle and brakes, the S-class doesn't apply full braking force. It applies 40%. That is more than enough to alert you, so you do the rest.
The Volvo (as usually) just slams on the brakes hard. And that could lead to another accident. Cause your Volvo brakes hard, but the car behind you, might not. So you could get rear-ended cause of your system. The Mercedes applies the brakes (not fully) and flashes the taillights.
I'd rather be hit from BEHIND and not be at fault than rear end someone and be at fault. Plus just because the Volvo halts itself doesn't mean you WILL be rear ended. If the person behind is following at a SAFE distance you should be able to brake to a halt ASAP-that is WHY the vast majority of rear enders are deemed at FAULT. Also there maybe no one immediately behind you.
True dat true dat Mega
Megadumbass. you are really saying its better to hit the guy in front so you dont cause someone to hit you from behind? Hopefully in 8 years you learned something
So, the Mercedes; once cars of absolute quality and the forefront of safety, has lost against an £11,000 city car made by Volkswagen. The Volvo one didn't surprise, they, they have been the real pioneers of safety, but good on the VW. Mercedes are nothing like they used to be. Very embarrassing for a near £80k car.
Oliver Newell The Mercedes system is designed so you don't get rear-ended when the brakes are slammed on. The S Class could brake a lot harder. The car has clearly detected the impending crash (it beeps to warn the driver), but it never runs into ABS.
Oliver Newell That's the old Mercedes S class which was launched in 10 years ago in 2005.
riDDimann
Yeah, instead you're the one doing the rear ending....
Son37Lumiere It's a design decision. Mercedes were - as is often the case - first to market with their system. That's why their design is more conservative than others.
What if the system misinterprets the situation and applies emergency breaks when it's not necessary? You get rear-ended, lots of angry arguments and lawsuits against Mercedes ensue. Their strategy was to alert the driver way ahead of the crash and should there be no reaction, to reduce the impact and try to prevent injuries and mass accidents.
Their newer system built on years of experience is much more capable.
I personally would much rather avoid rear ending someone else and get rear ended because the person doing the rear ending is always at fault. If they were traveling at a safe distance and speed they would be able to avoid it. Besides, there may not even be anyone behind you but you still end up rear ending someone because of Mercedes conservative choices.
no real surprise there with volvo being the safest. I always associated volvo with being safe and there are looking better and better if you look at the last decade of their cars
+DiZh0 volvo is the safest car in the world. that's a known car fact.
+Ahmed Nabil Actually that´s not the most true fact though. Yes the Volvo XC90 has been given the award from Euro Ncap for being the safest car to crash in but technology wise Mercedes is the safest. The best car to avoid a crash in is Mercedes especially the new S class since the technology has gotten a big update that will outperforrm any of those vehicles in this particular test.
Ryan rosenberg true, but i mean its an official title. like toyota offical title of most reliable brand.
Ahmed Nabil oh that's what you meant gotcha that makes sense.
is it true that volvo shown in this is full of Peugeot parts though
The Mercedes W221 will only brake up to 40% brakeing power which is why it is doing what it does - I think it was done for legal reasons (you get silly decisions when they get involved) . I use Distronic mainly on the freeways and only in slow creeping traffic for which it's brilliant for. Theses systems are an aid to being alert and attentive and are not a replacement.
Distronic plus though is NOT designed to stop you in a possible collision. Collision prevention assist plus and collision prevention assist however does do it and does it very well. Distronic plus is designed to keep a safe distance to a vehicle in front of you and it works together with the autopilot too.
No you'er just talking about adaptive cruise control which almost all modern cars have, just accept the fact the some car companies make better safety systems then Merc like this Volvo for exemple, and so you know the VW adaptive cruise control associated with lane assist and collision prevention (more sophisticated then the one in this VW Up) have been proven to stop the car before a crash whilst the Merc one failed on multiple tests (including one against a real car).
abd bach did you actually read my comment?! I mentioned that the system they blamed here for not stopping a collision is the wrong system mentioned which is why i mentioned collision prevention assist plus because that is the system that does prevent crashes and it works very well i should know since i have tested it in my merc.
Oh so you're just saying they gave the wrong name for the system that failed, Ok sorry my fault.
NICE TECH...!!!
That volvo city safety has saved my ass 2 times. Really amazing system. It even applies the hazards for you if you have come to a full stop!
Mackan stop driving like an idiot and you don't have to rely on an anti crash system
Alper Öz sometimes it’s not because your an “idiot” it’s because of distractions or something else you know?
mercedes did not stop because it knows the car in front is a fake, kay?
+abcd klm hahaha Mercedes be like ooooo i gotta get this thing off the road
+abcd klm yeah!... Sure!... xD
+abcd klm It can smell out real cars, right?
It won't waste it's time with tests, it just works.
I did not work at all haha
+FDworksTV Then you should get a job. :)
Well, the reviewers should read the manuals first. Mercedes will let you to do whatever you want until 0.6 sec before the collision is unavoidable, then apply the brakes to minimize the impact. If you just touch the brake pedal it will apply all force available to brake before you hit the car at front with minimal distance, to give the driver behind you enough time to stop as well, not to mention the flashing brake lights to get the attention of the driver behind and stop before he hits you and push you to the car at front as well....so you end you end up with same damage anyway. Anyway, I drive one of these, and it always give me warning before the sharp 90 degrees turn where the static road sign is installed, but as i accelerate and then I do sharp turn it wont interfere the driving. I wonder if the others can do the same without interfering my driving and perhaps brake before I have the chance to turn. Anyway, read the manual before you review. The demo video of S class AMG engineer demonstrating this feature is also somewhere here on you-tube.
Anyway it should not perform any less good than at any other brand.
It should apply full breaking force just 0.1 or 0.2 sec sooner....that can not be so difficult to adjust. (Driving new CLS and feel the system warns and acts just a little late.)
and then you get rear ended from braking so hard.....
ericiscoolllll still better than crashing into someone else's rear
ericiscoolllll the driver who makes contact is always cited for failure to maintain clear distance and their insurance pays to fix repair your car. plus a hit from the rear will put you back into your seat for injury protection.
Eric Goempel Not always it's like 99 percent of the time though
ericiscoolllll unless you have a volvo behind you ;)
ericiscoolllll Hopfully the other car is 3 seconds behind as you supposed to be....
I'm sure not many people have owned W221 S-class so they probably don't know about it.
It's not that Mercedes system isn't good enough, but it's matter of setting. For Volvo and other vehicles, they apply maximum braking force to avoid collision. However for Mercedes, especially on W221 chassis, DTR plus only applies up to 40% of maximum braking force and you can find that in owner's manual. The difference is other systems slam on the brake for you while Mercedes is just telling you to slam on the brake. If you apply brakes when the car beeps which is intended when designing the system, you shouldn't have a collision. But honestly if you're the person who doesn't pay attention to the road or warning system but can only avoid an accident when the car does it for you, then I softly recommend you not to drive and save other people's life.
For the Mercedes is UNFAIR, you only have the distrunic, but you don't have the bas plus option. Bas plus can do 108-0 mph
Yes if they are gonna do the test then do it properly with the right equipment, and not just the semi version
Also they should test it with head on traffic next to it and so forth, where the mercedes should excel with the side-radars.
Actually the BAS, from what I can tell, only helps the car apply the brakes faster. So for example if the car senses that the driver suddenly jumped on the brakes and he/she is applying only 50% brakes (because most people aren't used to emergency braking or whatever), the car will immediately apply 100% brakeforce. But this only works after driver intervention.
The one showed in the video is automatic.
My guess is that the Mercedes' infrared sensors aren't that good as the volvo's. Ultrasonic sensors can only "see" for a few meters, so those can't be used reliably.
They are just dumb
as a mercedes owner I have to say I'm disappointed. but I'm also the person who thinks a person should drive the car and not a computer. stop messing with your radio and cell phones and you don't need this kind of option
I also think you have to keep in mind the weight of the cars as well as the distance he set for distronic. But it is still disappointing for mb
Harpzification That's how a system should work, like on the Volvo: by default. If you have to configure 100 options for it to work properly...it's a fail.
I would like to see the audi's safety systems at the same test.
But what if the computer does a better job? what if it saves your live?
even the old fashioned abs saved my arse. then the esp prevented a worse outcome.
sooner or later computers will drive much better than a human can do.
they are already preventing accidents.
in a few years it will be required by law. simply because the computer is better wether you like it or not...
@@CAESARbonds i dont need a computer to stop a car for me because someone stoped infront of me.. stupid feauture
Very cool test. I wonder how the Honda Sensing package in my 2016 Civic compares to these? It's quite sensitive with the visual and auditory alerts but I don't think I've had it engage the brakes on its own yet. I'd love to see a similar test with the new Honda system.
So basically if you are a distracted driver and don't want to get sued, buy the Volvo.
“Only works up to 18 mph”
When was the last time you got in a crash going so slow?
"Shut up! Tank you." Hahaha :D
I had this kick in on a Merc Truck when cars suddenly stopped dead on the Motorway and boy it stopped the truck dead! I was beyond impressed, even today, years later I'm still stunned how the system stopped the truck in such a short distance. Brilliant!!
I am too much of a photographer...AEB= Auto Exposure Bracketing
Same here.
I have a question what is the sound track from Audio Network at 2:07 to 2:32
You know a few years ago we simply knew how to drive.
Anybody remember when people were aware of their surroundings and didn't just put their car wherever they feel like even if there's a car barrelling towards them?
Yoda on DMT Sorry but when was this magical time? In the UK at least accidents from death and major injuries are decreasing (well apart from crazy amounts of whiplash from false claims) despite more cars then ever before being on the road...
Now whilst it should of course not be relied on as you should pay attention to the road and not use it as reason to be distracted ,some idiots still don't pay attention and its impossible to police these idiots as you will see in the comments of the video people still text....
so for myself i feel safer knowing that that as time goes on and more people drive and the percentage of these sort of people naturally increase the technology will get better so i wont get rear ended by some wanker texting his mates.
So don't do the standard and say "it was better in my day" because it was not.
Things have never be better as much as people like to complain about how cars are not as sturdy now or driving tests are easier or that we live in a nanny state....just don't say it because it is all bollocks.
Yoda on DMT So fucking what?, We also had legs to turn on and off our TVs we still made remote controls.
We also knew how to squeeze brakes properly during an emergency stop, we still invented ABS, why hate on technology that makes you safer. Okay you're a great driver, then you won't need the technology, makes no difference to you.
Even the best drivers make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes, also in modern times, there's a WHOLE lot more cars on the road that are heavy and at least 100bhp per tonne compared to say 20 30 years ago.
Why not be safer if you can, how on earth does it hurt you to be safer.
I can't afford a Volvo in the US but i always wanted one and i was 100% positive the volvo was going to be on top on this video.
and then the car behind your slams you, because they werent paying attention / didnt expect your sudden braking... lol, yea..
Zjories92 Not your fault, but still your problem, lol.
so presumably they would have hit you either way? 2 cars involved is still 1 car saved when you compare it against this system being used. it's still reducing accidents. still works.
and the point of this was to make the point that it should be standard. If the car behind you has it equipped as well, he should be coming to a stop after you do.
nikkolaus then ur back hurts and u get a free 4K
Like the guy said at the end. These systems improve with every year and are now even standard in budget cars.
The technology in the s class was 8 years old at time. Car technology, especially safety features improved so much in the past 10 years, it's crazy.
6:02 epic reaction from Tiff :)
How does these perform when driving in Back to back city traffic where the distance between two cars is less than a meter?
"This target here is very complex" It is a freakin BOX!!
+Dylan Z It has reflectors, sensors, accelerometers and reacts the same as a normal car, but of course you would know better than engineers at one of the worlds most advanced centres of automotive engineering and technology - Thatcham.
+Oliver Newell Are you one of them? Oh wait, I don't think you are, they have a good sense of humor at least.
I have a cousin with a 2014 S550, the auto braking thing was amazing and very smooth. It even went around curves just like the video.
I was hoping the MB would have performed better. I really want an S Class.
Katacus the new ones are amazing I love mine
Katacus it might be to do with the fact that metal reflects radar eaves different than soft foam
If your only desire to own an S-Class is so it prevents you from hitting things at freeway speeds, maybe you shouldn't buy a car at all.
Katacus that's a older s class don't worry newer ones are better
Katacus that is also a very old Mercedes, a old 2013 maybe 2012. My father has a 2015 S600 Luxury, fully loaded and ti has auto braking, and it works phenomenal. It warns us at alerts us early. We haven't ever had to sue it but it constantly monitors the road and watches for dangers. But, my fathers car is also around 120k$. Or, 150 thousand pounds. So if you have the money I extremely recommend the car. Or, my mum's Tesls. It works phenomenal as well for the same price.
We need this on all cars.
Volvo IS the real deal - search their truck braking system - it will blow you away.
Kuldar Leement and volvo dynamic steering!
AEB ( Radar version ) can now be an option extra on a Kia Picanto and Kia Rio. Amazing.
I am a huge Mercedes fan. But i am a bit disappointed. Although i can see that they are using an old S-Class whose anti crash systems might have been outdated. I'm sure the new 2014 S-class is as good as or even may be better than its competitors.
its something I would like to know also. I was quite surprised at this.
But they were going based on what the manufacturer claimed. And again, even if the is old, the system should still work, when you buy a car, you expect everything to work until the car gives in
So the system which is an extra in the V40 is the same as the one that is in my XC60, which is dubbed the "City Safety"?
lets not forget they are testing the old S-Class at the end of its career, it is normal for its systems to be a bit out-of-date.
i guess the new S-class systems will be as good as the Volvo ones
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAnd the S Class does not have an AEB!!!! The Differences between Distronic and a full AEB system are major!
The brake system is fantastic but what happen to the vihicle at the back/rear of you can they have enough time to appyl the brake.
mercedes probably works on the assumption that the driver will not ignore the collission warning. But will apply the brakes automatically to minimise the impact speed
what happens in tge event that the car infront is braking hard evasively? how effective is it then?
I tried a awd volvo recently and it had adaptive cruise control and this autobrake stuff. I did not test the autobrake, but the adaptive cruise control sucks. If you are in a curve the car do not understand that you are turning (it could check the steering wheel) and if it does not "see" the car in the curve in front of you even if it's right there it will speed up again in the curve and getting very close to the car in front. Not good - does not work well I think.
Also the AWD system sucked. The salesperson told me that I would not even notice that the AWD system connected the rear wheels, but I tried it up a slope where my subaru have no problems, the volvo was "waving" because the front wheels slipped too much. I am sure the volvo have better build quality than my 08 subaru outback, but the awd was not good and the adaptive cruise control can't be trusted!
I have a 215 V60 D4 AWD, bought june 2014, with adaptive cruice control and if i turn the steering wheel it will keep the speed reduced based on the amount i turn the steering wheel.
Althought, it first need to have the speed reduced and that is based on any object in front.
Example, i have a car in front that slows down for an roundabout, my car slows down, the other car enters the roundabout and so do i a second later, becuase i am turrning it will not increase speed when the other car exits one exit before me, it will keep speed reduced and not until i straighten it up again it will incresae spee again.
Rickard Hansson I can only speak for the car I tested, but roundabouts was no problem - it was on about 80kmh in sharp long curves (Norwegian roads just for the record). The car in front of me was "out of sight" for the headlights of the Volvo but still perfectly visible. The car speeded up and I had to brake! Don't get me wrong - when it worked it was ok but the point is that it can't be trusted!
If your not behind a car in a straight line, how the fuck do you except radar to bend on a car, are you fucking stupid?
If you read what I wrote the car could have read the steering wheel position and not accelerated until it was straight again. That would at least have been safer than just assuming that the car in front of you disappeared, while doing a curve, and when driving at normal speed. Let's try again shall we?!
So the AWD suck because it don't match a Subaru? Subarus have the best AWD for regular cars on the market since it's permanent....Volvo use Haldex, the car is FWD until they slip and the back wheels are given power. Nothing fancy but it works okay all year around on scandinavian roads.
Does it only work on automatic though? Would a manual not cut out and jerk forward?
In the Mercedes u can change the distance for automatic breaking it could help change the results Mercedes have saved me many times. Plus that Mercedes is older
So what happens if someone drives across the front of you? Close, but so you wouldn't hit. Would the system apply hard brakes and cause a nose to tail with someone behind you?
"shatup!"
"thank you :)"
is there a system out there that can detect red traffic light signals and automatically brake? so many drivers trying to beat the traffic light these days i would help if something like that were possible...
this is why sweden was neutral during the war, play it safe..
The video is miss leading regarding the system in the merc. The system called distronic plus by design and purpose can only use up to 40% of total braking force. It's designed to reduce the severity of the crash to make it more survivable. It's not designed to completely stop the w221. Not sure if the newer w222 has been upgraded to come to a full stop autonomously.
mercedes is way to heavy to stop in time
+GamingTurkey Then they should have dropped the claim speed figure (for the static crash).
You can easily factor in the weight of the car into the distance you need to slow the car down. It's really just a simple multiplicator in the computing when you have to brake. Whenever you get at the point of the minimum distance you need to slow the car down without crashing into the object, the system should kick in.
Remarkebly, both failed at about 60 mph.
It's not way too heavy lol.
Mercedes flagship model sedan is too heavy as well as my '15 A8L W12. My car is about 4,500lbs.
The 2017 E-class will stop up to speeds of 43mph now. They've improved the system quite a bit since the old S-Class in this video.
This is why I RESPECT VOLVO !!!! VOLVO FOR LIFE !
Volvo has always been a safe car to drive.
What you forgot to tell is that with that 2000£ option on the Volvo, you get stuff like, pedestrian detection (with full autobrake), BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), adaptive cruise control and so on.
Volvo: ding
VW: ding
Mercedes: beepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep
What happens when there's debris (ice, snow, mud, etc) on the bumper/windshield/grille? I can see that these systems work just fine under ideal circumstances...but what happens under "real-world" testing?
this is why i don't use my pager while driving.
Pager? I thought those went extinct in the last century...
Snow/ice/mud/dust cloud???
How does it behave with sensors covered?
All these type gadgets are great,but they are turning drivers into unthinking morons.
+steven watson Drivers are unthinking morons this is just stopping them from acting like morons.
And don't tell me you never take your eyes off the road not even for a second.
I know what you are saying,but think about it .A kitchen knife ,has no warning "bleeper".Think about it.If knives need to talk to us,are we going in the right direction?
Well you don’t use a knife continually for 2 hours straight and if you need to do anything while using the knife you can put the knife down and do whatever you need to do. Cars/Driving requires your full attention constantly. Which humans cannot do.
+Flying Karapet yea and you misusing a knife doesn't result in your possibly killing people now does it?
+Flying Karapet sorry meant that to be to the other guy I agree with you
my bmw 325da 2008 have adaptive cruise control which reaches 180kmh cruise speed and I have tried to drive around 180kmh on cruise and when a car in front of me is driving like 100-130kmh my car automaticly brakes and does not crash! and that is at speed 180kmh or like 120mph ish.. maybe the s-class is too heavy to slow down enough??..
Problem is, it's too good. 90% of the time you'll be hit from behind which if anything is worse.
In the W211 E500 I drive, I can set the distance of the DISTRONIC. Really close or Far away. Perhaps 5th gear should have changed the distance that DISTRONIC engages?
The S Class is a lot heavier of course it's not gonna stop like the other 2 tiny cars. Simple physics will tell you this.
Clever thinking will learn you that the system is made specifically for the car so that it will brake on time considering the weight of the vehicle
Fredrik Kalgren I guess that you both have to read the manual of the Mercedes... they never said, that the car is able to avoid an accident in such a situation... if the car beeps and shows the red triangle in the speedometer, than you have to apply the breaks. Just a gentle step on the break and "BAS +" will do the rest by increasing the break pressure if needed.
how well does this do in such a climate like snows, rains, storms?
look at ncap new mercdes e class test perfect
What if the car stops for a squirl or a car on the motorway? Or isn't it just better to stay awake on the road?
It could all be avoided if you'd just keep your distance and your eyes on the fucking road.
The Esseboy
If you can't be 100% concentrated on the road you shouldn't be fucking driving in the first fucking place. Don't tell me, you one of the idiots who text while driving.
tavi921 Dont tell me you are one of those drivers who stare at the road like the world depended on it....yea, I might text a one liner while driving, but it take along time...like over a minute.
What I meant was that you cant have 100% concentration at all time, you eventually start thinking about something else!
The Esseboy
Yes, I AM one of those drivers who pay attention to the road all the time, because my life DOES depend on it. Damn I'm good. I can sniff TWD through the internet.
tavi921 how many years have you been driving?
The Esseboy
What's the relevance of that? Do you develop some kind of auto pilot ability of which I'm not aware, after 10 years or so?
Never heard of the VW Up. Is it only sold in Germany? The local VW dealer (US) only has giant SUVs in the showroom.
One more thing that shows the Mercedes are overrated, and they stopped making good cars. Volvo is one of those brands that are underrated, and they deserve to be more popular.
Georgi Radkov nah that merc model was introduced in 2005 so its using old tech
Despite the fact that this video is not the newest?
But i am really interessted to get to know more about it.
Could it be that these radars where made to "find" cars "made of steel"?
I mean, the dummy is made of soft materials.
Could that explain why the Mercedes hits the dummy?
Some kind of "Stealth-effect"?
Wouldn't it be better then to have an optical System to?
Scientifically the video is misleading and misrepresenting the different technologies capabilities and also not putting it into perspective.
The "dummy target" is designed to simulate a vehicle ONLY and ONLY to laser based safety systems, which is why the laser systems performs really well. It is technically not representing a real car, because real cars are not made out of soft foam. Real cars are made from steel and radars are designed to detect steel which is a good radio reflective material. If the dummy was made from steel the radar would have seen it from around 250m away.
Lets put the shoe on the other foot: Create a "dummy target" from steel with faded, non retro-reflective plates. For example use a clean, polished square-shape old VW golf either in black or red colour and approach it from a slight angle. I will guarantee the lasers will miss this car completely. Now drive at typical safety critical speeds and both the VW and Volvo occupants will get hurt or be killed.
But besides the test that was not fair, the fact that low speed safety mechanisms saves one money in minor rear-end collisions and that may or may not be worth the money you pay for it. Everyone need to consider what the probability is that they will cause a rear-end collision in the life of the car. I have had one in 22 years of driving that cost me less than the system cost. So for me it will be a waste.
However I would pay ten times as much for a system that will save my life or my family's life, that operates at higher speeds.
So the test in the video discredits radar and applaud laser sensors. I do not agree and neither does high-end manufacturers and other safety specialists as can be seen by the types of systems they fit to cars.
A full spectrum sensor (visible, infrared and microwave-radar) is ultimately the most reliable under the widest range of (1) important and (2) likely conditions.
OK I must give in that this probably does not represent a scientific test and are glad that Fifth Gear did raise awareness. For this reason I am highlighting the true facts.
actually you are wrong my friend :P. the material is made of is like oobleck its solid but force makes it soft so you dont damage the cars. also it failed even the euro ncap test even with a real car. Research is your friend :)
And how it will work in wet conditions or snow? All will crash
The Ranking of these Vehicles (Aeb Test)
Top One:Volvo V40
Top two:Volkswagen Up
Top three:Mercedes S Class
Would be VERY interesting how my Transit Connect wagon ( tournero connect in eu) would cope with ONLY a camera, that's the reason I have it on high sensitivity. It did beep me when an escape cut me off, but it wasn't so close!
Well, you forgot the Mercedes is the favorite MAFIA's car..:)) So you thinck those guys will still buy them if the car will auto stop when you need to crash into someone to throw him out of a bridge ?:)) This feature on a Mercedes will be bad busyness ! Capisci ?
qpae123 wow just because it’s the stupid brand name that is known but where in real life not stupid movies!!! I prefer a safer carrrrr
1:53 why you guys gave a spoiler about the crash test ? 😞
VOLVO IS THE BEST
New! AEB safety system available in some cars.. However not new for me. Over 47 years ago this system was in use by me. It's voice operated en named Regina, my wife.
I am sort of doubting that this is true for the S-Class
100% not real.
To those who say Mercedes "failed"--This model doesn't prevent a collision. Mercedes said it themselves. It applies up to 40-60% of the braking. Not 100%. The newer models now apply up to 100%.
Can be as you said, Merc is a bit heavier also, that makes difference.
Did you understand this: " The Volvo managed to stop the test at 28 miles per hour but the Mercedes didn't, in fact the expert tells us that the fact ... conductive towards the static target is 15 miles per hour." How goes the whole sentence?
stupid video, that mercedes benz system is for adaptive cruise control, the car will stop when the front car break to stop, but for completely stop object, the system will only brake like 60% to wake you up. this is an older s class than the other too as well. So Mercedes benz was not as good but different system set up, new distronic beat them all
Mercedes-Benz’s Distronic Plus is able to either bring the car to a stop, or reduce the speed of the impact and the radio is switched off when the audible tone is played
Volvo won fair and square. just one thing - what would happen if the Mercedes had the radar guided cruise control on at the time?
does these systems know the road conditions? they stop at the very latest possible time and that's on dry, clean asphalt. If there was just a bit of damp road surface it'd be too late if the system doesn't compensate for it.
If you aren't paying attention to the road even in inclement weather, maybe you deserve a fender bender.
No Username Guy your comment is completely irrelevant and you missed my point entirely.
Volvo just shat on Mercedes
Matt Verdi because Mercedes are so big and heavy while Volvo is light
The mercedes is more than 10 years old and you are comparing it to a 1 year old Volvo. Those systems on the mercedes were innovation and really good for its age.
ok. is this system woks on snowy road?