Mercedes EFS Safety Vehicle

On By Sam Allibone
Mercedes EFS Safety Vehicle

Mercedes have revealed a new autonomous concept car, as a part of the brands ongoing range of the brands Experimental Safety Vehicles, that showcases the latest in automotive safety technology. The brand new Mercedes ESF Concept is heavily based on the GLE, though it is uniquely equipped with a wide range of the latest and futuristic safety features.

Powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and capable of semi-automated driving, the Mercedes EFS Concept aims to not just prevent accidents, but reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash. As such, the EFS Concept will retract the steering wheel and pedals when operating in automated modes. Other features include a laser projection on the rear window to provide warning messages or unbelievably images from the front camera to display what is ahead of the EFS Concept.

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This cooperative communication system is ideal for scenarios where the EFS Concept has stopped to avoid incident, for example when a pedestrian has crossed the road in front of the vehicle. Other safety features of the Mercedes ESF are more distinct and futuristic – the highlight of which is a hazard-warning robot. This robot will deploy from the EFS Concept and be capable of displaying a warning triangle, then traversing further down the road to warn oncoming drivers.

Driver and occupant safety has also been taken into great consideration with specific cabin features developed. These include wing side airbags that surround front seat occupants and rear airbags that release from the back of the front seat. Mercedes are also incorporating Pre-Safe Child technology which utilises a tensioned belt with impact protection elements to reduce the forces that might impact a child during a crash. Vital signs of the child are also smartly monitored via the same technology.

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Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Executive Board responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Development was quoted saying that “Safety is part of the brand DNA of Mercedes-Benz. We have repeatedly demonstrated that we are not short of ideas in this field since the 1970s, with our Experimental Safety Vehicles. The new ESF 2019 reflects the mobility of the future, and presents a wide variety of innovations which we are currently researching and developing.” 

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