New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Will Play Loud Noise Before Crash to Save Eardrums
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class can basically drive itself. But if you prefer to pilot the car yourself, and you happen to get into a crash, the 2017 E-Class will pump static into the cabin to save your ears.
As Wired reports, the new E-Class will be equipped with what Mercedes-Benz is calling “PRE-SAFE Sound” to play a 85-db noise to coax the ear into protecting itself.
According to the automaker, the system works by triggering the stapedius reflex, which is the constriction of muscles around the eardrums, and is a natural reaction to loud noise. By playing the sound before the collision, Mercedes-Benz says, the E-Class could potentially lessen hearing damage.
The sound safety system is part of a slew of technology Mercedes-Benz is stuffing into the E-Class. Also included is the similarly named “PRE-SAFE impulse side” collision system that “nudges” driver and passenger toward the center of the car during a side collision with airbags that inflate upon impact.
Mercedes-Benz said the side-collision system is an option for the E-Class. It’s unclear if the noise safety system is standard.
The automaker also said the E-Class owners would be able to park the new E-Class while outside the car by using an app, but the system won’t be available in the United States when the fifth-generation car launches.
The automated parking system works somewhat like the Batmobile. We live in exciting times.
More by Aaron Cole
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I'd prefer the Hunt For Red October's "T minus 1 to impact, Captain!" with sonar pings noise. I think the sound will be "Remember to buy Mercedes for your next car. This one is about to save your life."
Isn’t this, from the driver’s point of view like riding a bus? It looks I am on my last E class.
Yet another electronic device to fail on a Benz. MB should be focusing on resolving current electronic mayhem before introducing more possibilities for failures.
It will be interesting when that malfunctions. All these new cars can't be kept forever, so many electronics to die slow glitchy deaths.