Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Page 15
The Direct-Steer system is based on the familiar speed-sensitive power steering
system which reduces the power assistance as the road speed increases. Easy
manoeuvrability on urban roads where large steering angles and thus a great deal
of power assistance is required, is coupled with reduced support at high speeds,
say on the motorway – all of which improves straight-line stability and handling
safety.
Torque Vectoring Brake optimises driving dynamics and handling safety
A further improvement in driving dynamics as well as active handling safety
comes courtesy of the new Torque Vectoring Brake. If the Electronic Stability
Program ESP
®
detects the onset of understeer, short one-sided braking interven-
tion on the vehicle's inside rear wheel generates a specific yawing moment
around the vehicle's vertical axis within a fraction of a second. Consequently,
the AMG S-Class handles precisely and remains under control at all times as well
as also bolstering active handling safety by reducing the tendency to understeer.
The Torque Vectoring Brake is standard on the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG.
Crosswind stabilisation as new Active Body Control function
The AMG sports suspension now comes as standard with automatic crosswind
stabilisation based on Active Body Control (ABC). The ABC control electronics
vary the wheel load distribution so that the effect of crosswinds is virtually com-
pensated or reduced to a minimum. If the S-Class is affected by a crosswind, the
ABC control unit utilises the yaw-rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and
speed sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP
®
to trigger diagonal wheel
load distribution instantly – for instance on the left front and right rear wheel.
The associated steering effect reduces the effect of the crosswind. Crosswind sta-
bilisation is activated at speeds above 80 km/h while travelling in a straight line
or on slight bends. The function is deactivated if the driver himself makes heavy,
brusque steering corrections.
The active suspension on the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG all but entirely eliminates
the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. Bends
