Equipment on new European models (1): Daimler, BMW, Volkswagen

Increased availability of active preventive systems and headlamps with adaptive beam and range...

2011/10/11

Summary
Daimler: First use of LED headlamps that automatically switch between high/low-beams and adjust the lighting range
BMW: Cutting-edge stability and driving assist systems adopted in the 6 Series Convertible
VW: Parallel/double parking assist available on the Sharan, Active lane assist on Audi A6 and Q3

Summary

The following is a summary of major equipment available on the new passenger cars launched by Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen in the European markets in and after the summer of 2010.

Among the driving stability equipment of increasing availability are the drive select systems that allow the driver to choose a driving mode. Systems have been introduced that allow the driver to choose suspension setting, power steering characteristics, engine response, transmission shift points, etc., to meet his or her preference.

As for vision systems, availability is increasing of the High-beam assist that automatically switches between high- and low-beam lighting. Daimler has adopted an additional Adaptive High-beam system that switches beams and adjusts the lighting range automatically as well as continuously to secure an enough field of vision while reducing the dazzling effect to other vehicles in the opposing lanes.

Among the collision safety systems of increasing availability are the side airbags for rear seat occupants and Flashing brake lights that alert the drivers of vehicles behind when the emergency brakes are applied.

As for driving and parking assist systems, active preventive safety systems constantly monitor lane departure and lane change and intervene with the driver by braking and steering operation in case of emergency. Also growing more available are the Night Vision display that highlights images of pedestrians and the parking assist system that automatically performs steering maneuvers during parallel and double parking.

Systems addressing greater comfort and convenience that are growing more available include Online systems that provide Internet access and the Start-stop system that effectively improves fuel economy.

(Note)

See MarkLines Report No.1013 of October 2011 "Equipment on new European models (2)" for equipment adopted by other European manufacturers (PSA, Renault, Fiat, GM Europe and Ford Europe).

Advanced systems introduced by Daimler, BMW, VW (on new models launched in Europe in and after the summer of 2010)

Driving stability	Drive select	BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, VW Sharan, Audi A6
Visibility	High-beam assist	BMW X-3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, VW Sharan, VW Golf Cabriolet, Audi Q3
Visibility	Adaptive high-beam assist	M-Benz CLS, M-Benz C-Class Coupe
Collision safety	Rear side airbag	M-Benz CLS, M-Benz C-Class Coupe, VW Sharan
Collision safety	Flashing brake lights for emergency stop	M-Benz CLS, M-Benz C-Class Coupe, M-Benz SLK Roadster, BMW X-3, BMW 6 Series Convertible
Driving & parking assist	Active blind spot assist	M-Benz CLS, M-Benz C-Class Coupe
	Active lane keeping assist	M-Benz CLS, M-Benz C-Class Coupe, Audi A6, Audi Q3
	Night Vision with pedestrian recognition	M-Benz CLS, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Audi A6
	Park assist	M-Benz C-Class Coupe, M-Benz SLK Roadster, BMW 6 Series Convertible, VW Sharan, Audi A6, Audi Q3
Comfort & convenience	Online service	M-Benz C-Class Coupe, M-Benz SLK Roadster, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Audi A6, Audi Q3
Comfort & convenience	Start-stop system	M-Benz CLS, M-Benz C-Class Coupe, M-Benz SLK Roadster, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, VW Sharan, VW Golf Cabriolet, Audi A6, Audi Q3