Here’s a compilation of all the goodies and gadgets present in Mercedes-Benz cars. They were the first manufacturers to introduce some of the following technologies in automobiles. List also includes in-house developed technology, some of which are astonishing. Definitely showcases the dominance of this German giant over all the other competitors in the R&D department. List continues after the jump.
1) Active Body Control (ABC) – first in 1991 C 112, then in 1999 CL-Class
2) Active hydro-pneumatics with new ABC system – seen in 2001 F400 Carving
3) Automatic seat and steering wheel adjust – seen in 1991 F100, then in 1991 S-Class
4) Autonomous intelligent cruise control – first in the 1991 F100, then in 1999 S-Class
5) Colour display – first in 1995 Vario Research Car, then in 1998 S-Class
6) Distance warning radar – seen in 1991 F100, then in 2005 S-Class
7) Electric parking brake – seen in 1991 F100, then in 2005 S-Class
8 ) Electronic braking system – first in 2001 F400 Carving, then in 2001 SL-Class
9) Electronic tyre pressure monitor – seen in 1991 F100, then 1999 S-Class
10) Electro-transparent panoramic roof – first in the 1996 F200 Imagination, then in 2002 Maybach
11) Front-wheel drive – first seen in the 1995 Vario Research Car, then in 1997 A-Class
12) Gas-discharge headlights – first in the 1991 F100, then in 1995 S-Class
13) High-performance LED indicators – seen in 2001 F400 Carving, then in 1998 S-Class mirrors
14) Keyless entry – first in the 1991 F100, then in 1999 S-Class
15) LED lights – first in 2001 F400 Carving, then in 2002 E-Class and 2003 SLR McLaren
16) Light sensor – first in 1997 F300 Life Jet, then in 1998 S-Class
17) Mobile phone voice recognition – first in the 1996 F200 Imagination, then in 1996 S-Class
18) Navigation system – first in 1995 Vario Research Car, then in 1995 S-Class
19) Night vision system – first in the 2003 F500 Mind, then in 2005 S-Class
20) Optical fibres to transmit signals – seen in 1991 F100, then in 1998 S-Class
21) Rain sensor – first in the 1991 F100, then in 1995 S-Class
22) Reversing camera – seen in 1991 F100, then in 2002 Maybach
23) Rotary central electronics control – seen in 1995 Vario Research Car, then in 2005 S-Class
24) Run flat tyres – seen in 1991 F100, then in 2003 E-Class
25) Sandwich floor – first in the 1991 F100, then in 1997 A-Class
26) Solar cell roof – seen in 1991 F100, then in 2002 Maybach
27) Space-frame carbon fibre body – seen in 2001 F400 Carving. The 2003 SLR McLaren uses a carbon fibre body and monocoque
28) Swivelling gullwing doors – first in the 1996 F200 Imagination, then in 2003 SLR McLaren
29) Variable distribution headlights – first in the 1996 F200 Imagination, then in 2003 E-Class