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Short of making the wing mirrors of its vans any larger, the adoption of Blind Spot Assist technology was viewed by Mercedes as the best way to help improve a driver's awareness of other road users, and the dangers that they present. At speeds above 18.6mph (30km/h) short-range sensors located at the side of the vehicle can detect a car or motorcycle that is in the driver's blind spot, and a red warning light appears in the wing mirror on the relevant side, alerting the driver to the danger. Should they try and change lane when there is a vehicle in the way, an alarm is sounded as a warning.
Mercedes argues that unintended lane departures caused by driver distraction or inattention are more dangerous than sudden lane changes. Its solution is Lane Keeping Assist, a system that comprises a camera filming the lane ahead, and an ECU measuring data. Again, a warning sound occurs if the van is about to leave the lane and the indicators are not employed. The system can identify white and yellow road markings - allowing it to operate on construction sites, for example - and works at speeds above 37.3mph (60km/h). During periods of high winds or when driving down narrow country lanes, there is the option of turning the system off to prevent it from being activated constantly.
Driving at night will be made easier with Highbeam Assist. Described by Mercedes as "optimal illumination of the road", the system automatically switches high beams on and off depending on whether there is traffic ahead. It is claimed that drivers will have a better view of corners, pedestrians and potential dangers ahead without oncoming drivers being blinded. The system works at 37.3mph (60km/h) or above, and uses a camera mounted to the inside of the windscreen, scanning the road and traffic ahead. It will be offered with halogen, as well as bi-xenon, headlights.
Mercedes has confirmed Crosswind Assist will debut as a standard feature on the new Sprinter when it is launched in the second half of 2013. It is expected the remaining safety tech will be cost options, but according to a company spokesman, it is far too early to talk about prices of each. Meanwhile, given that from November 2013 Lane Keeping Assist-style systems will be mandatory on all new vehicles launched, that technology could also be fitted as standard on all Sprinters.
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