Mercedes-Benz Adds Automated Driving Technology to E-Class
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan will be able to steer itself at highway speeds, which Daimler AG has demonstrated in testing.
Photo of 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan courtesy of MBUSA.
Photo of 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan courtesy of MBUSA.
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan will be able to steer itself at highway speeds, which Daimler AG has demonstrated in testing, reports Bloomberg.
With the model, which goes on sale in March 2016, drivers will feel the steering wheel move in their hands.
The E-Class, which competes with the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS, is the company's flaship luxury sedan. Offering options more advanced than those in the flagship S-Class shows how much Daimler is raising the stakes as they try to reclaim the top spot in high-end cars. Audi has already sent an unmanned RS7 around a track at racing speeds.
During a test drive in Germany, the sedan navigated around bends in the road and automatically adjusted the speed according to street signs. If the car detects that the driver doesn’t have their hands on the steering wheel, the steering aid system switches on a warning light, then beeps, then turns itself off, forcing the driver to retake the wheel.
Mercedes-Benz will release more details in July, spokesman Christian Bokich told Automotive Fleet.
More Operations
Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →