Adaptive Highbeam Assist: optimum vision

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Driving a car at night will be even safer in future. Mercedes-Benz is unveiling an innovative system which adjusts the range of the headlamps automatically based on the distance to oncoming vehicles or moving vehicles in front with their lights on. Consequently, the best possible headlamp range is always selected, allowing the driver to see the course of the road, pedestrians or danger spots at an earlier stage. From spring 2009, the new E-Class and the S-Class will feature the world's most powerful headlamp technology in the shape of the Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. What's more, Mercedes-Benz has further developed the tried-and-tested Night View Assist system, which illuminates the road ahead of the vehicle with non-reflective infrared light. As soon as the system detects pedestrians up ahead, they are highlighted on the display in the cockpit.

In contrast to conventional systems, which merely switch between low beam and high beam, the new Adaptive Highbeam Assist system adapts itself in line with the current conditions on the road, controlling the light distribution as the situation allows. The low-beam range can therefore be increased from 65 to up to 300 metres – without dazzling other motorists. If the system detects oncoming vehicles or vehicles in front, it adapts the headlamp range continuously, based on the distance to these vehicles, so that the cone of light emitted by the headlamps ends before it reaches these vehicles. In addition, Adaptive Highbeam Assist takes into account the steering angle in order to dim the headlamps on tight bends. If the road ahead is clear, the system switches to high beam with a minimum of fuss.

Enlarge Realistic tests confirm that motorists who use Adaptive Highbeam Assist are safer on the road in the dark: dummies placed at the side of the road to simulate pedestrians were detected from a distance of around 260 metres – around 150 metres earlier than is the case when conventional low beam is used – despite the presence of oncoming traffic. What's more, the system relieves driver stress as there is no longer any need to repeatedly flick the stalk on the steering wheel. So the driver can concentrate more on actually driving the car. Once activated, Adaptive Highbeam Assist always provides the best possible headlamp range.