Mercedes Introduces ESP To Rave Revues

06/21/96

The highlight of the Mercedes Benz 1997 press preview at Willow Springs International Raceway was supposed to be test drives of the fantastic coupe-like E420 sedan. As thrilling as this was, however, the demonstration of Mercedes' new Electronic Stability Program System (ESP) was extremely impressive. ESP is a system designed to keep you from spinning out when driving on slick surfaces...or any surface, for that matter. It comes standard on the V12 powered S600 models and optional on the V8 S420 and S500 cars.

ESP works invisibly to help the driver maintain control in hazardous situations. Using multiple sensors at each wheel the system constantly monitors "yaw," the speed at which the car rotates about its vertical axis. Should the car become unstable and start to spin ESP applies pressure...just the right amount, on the proper wheel/brake to bring it back to stability. We drove a watered down skid pad without ESP engaged and spun like a top. Then we took three laps WITH ESP and could not loop the car, which in this case was a heavy S600 V12. Let's hear it for MB and ESP.

Check out TACH's Exclusive Streaming Video of the Mercedes ESP system.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel