Fast-forward 127 years, and the company that bears his name has produced what is, for all intents and purposes, a horse: a 4,000lb, climate-controlled, vaguely sentient horse with full-grain leather tack and available satellite navigation. [...]
At speed, the system tracks lane markings using a pair of forward-facing stereoscopic cameras that sit mounted high up in the windshield in a housing as bulky as a television cable box. A nose-mounted radar system looks two cars ahead to accurately judge the flow of traffic, and once set, is capable of controlling speed from as quick as 124mph to a dead stop. [...]
Vital Stats: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Base price: $52,325, inclusive of $925 destination charge
As tested: $63,600-$83,800
EPA fuel economy: 21mpg city, 30mpg highway (E350 sedan); 17mpg city, 26mpg hwy (E550 4matic sedan); fuel economy for E400 Hybrid and E250 Bluetec TBD
Standard equipment: COMAND central display including Bluetooth, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, driver drowsiness monitoring, collision prevention assist, dual-zone climate control
Major options: satellite navigation, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping, radar-guided cruise control, heated and ventilated seats, front and rear parking assist, air scarf (cabriolet)
credit: BBC by By Brendan McAleer
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