Photo: Daimler AG
Part of the rather impressive array of world firsts to be found of the recently-unveiled 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (C217), the Active Curve Tilting function probably stands out even more than the optional Swarovski-embedded LED headlights.
After its W222 sedan brother introduced the first ever “suspension with eyes” - otherwise known as Magic Body Control in Mercedes-speak – the S-Class Coupe takes the concept even further and introduces yet another world first for production cars.
The curve tilting function of the Magic Body Control system (optional on the S 500 Coupe) can literally make the car lean into a bend, just like a motorcycle rider or a skier.
“The world premiere of the active curve tilting function demonstrates the possibilities offered by Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive,” said Prof Dr Thomas Weber, member of the board of management of Daimler AG with responsibility for corporate research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development. “The vehicle leans into bends much like a motorcyclist, thereby reducing the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle's occupants. On country roads in particular, this means greater driving pleasure and ride comfort for our customers.”
Integrated closely with the Active Body Control (ABC) and Road Surface Scan functions of Magic Body Control, the new feature uses suspension struts which are equipped with hydraulic cylinders that can make the car automatically incline in a fraction of a second and to an angle of up to 2.5 degrees in curves.
The system detects upcoming bends using a stereo camera that can “see” in 3D and an additional transversal acceleration sensor and is active from 30 to 180 km/h (19 to 112 mph).
Not at all as a coincidence, Mercedes-Benz has been researching a “tilting into curves” option for its cars since the 1990s, with the F 300 Life Jet and the F 400 Carving concept cars sporting technologies which make cornering less stressful and sportier for their passengers. You can check out a few images of the two concept cars in the gallery bellow.
The curve tilting function of the Magic Body Control system (optional on the S 500 Coupe) can literally make the car lean into a bend, just like a motorcycle rider or a skier.
“The world premiere of the active curve tilting function demonstrates the possibilities offered by Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive,” said Prof Dr Thomas Weber, member of the board of management of Daimler AG with responsibility for corporate research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development. “The vehicle leans into bends much like a motorcyclist, thereby reducing the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle's occupants. On country roads in particular, this means greater driving pleasure and ride comfort for our customers.”
Integrated closely with the Active Body Control (ABC) and Road Surface Scan functions of Magic Body Control, the new feature uses suspension struts which are equipped with hydraulic cylinders that can make the car automatically incline in a fraction of a second and to an angle of up to 2.5 degrees in curves.
The system detects upcoming bends using a stereo camera that can “see” in 3D and an additional transversal acceleration sensor and is active from 30 to 180 km/h (19 to 112 mph).
Not at all as a coincidence, Mercedes-Benz has been researching a “tilting into curves” option for its cars since the 1990s, with the F 300 Life Jet and the F 400 Carving concept cars sporting technologies which make cornering less stressful and sportier for their passengers. You can check out a few images of the two concept cars in the gallery bellow.
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