Multibeam headlights for new CLS
Mercedes-Benz four-door coupe to feature new headlamp techMercedes-Benz has commenced the drip-feed for its upcoming facelifted CLS with the company’s latest news expounding on the new LED lighting tech that will feature in the updated coupe-mimicking sedan.
The centerpiece of the latest Multibeam system is a battery of 24 individually-controlled LEDs (in each headlight cluster) that are claimed to illuminate the road with a “hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light”.
Mercedes says the camera-based tech offers better illumination in corners and dazzle-free characteristics. Similar systems have already been seen on other the latest S-Class while Audi and BMW have moved to laser lighting but Mercedes claims the latest set-up “opens a new chapter in lighting design”.
The existing CLS is already offered with an LED-illuminated Intelligent Light System, but the new lights are claimed to react more quickly, precisely and individually to changing traffic conditions. In addition, some of the expanded functions include anticipatory camera-based curve recognition and dazzle-free main beam, which uses the camera positioned behind the front windscreen to detect oncoming traffic and mask vehicles out of the light cone.
The Multibeam's 24 LEDs are each controlled independently of the others. Mercedes says this allows the light distribution from each headlamps to be controlled separately and adapted dynamically to the traffic conditions.
Compared with the systems on the market today, the set-up offer up to 2.5 times the partial high-beam light output, the company claims.
There is even a satnav-based light function for roundabouts. This activates Multibeam's steerable cornering light function to the left and right before entering the roundabout, enabling the driver to see its entirety even before entering.
Another benefit of LED lights that Mercedes is trumpeting is that the illumination they offer is closer to daylight and therefore easier on the eyes – as studies have apparently shown that the closer the colour of artificial light is to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes.
MERCEDES LIGHTING MILESTONES
1991: Premiere of xenon headlamps with gas discharge lamps in the Mercedes F 100 research vehicle
1995: Xenon headlamps with dynamic headlamp range control in the E-Class
1999:
2003: World premiere of the active light function in the E-Class
2004: World premiere of bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and cornering light function in the CLS-Class
2005: Premiere of Active Night View Assist in the S-Class
2006: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System in the E-Class
2009: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist in the E-Class
2009: Premiere of Active Night View Assist Plus in the S and E-Class
2010: World premiere of dynamic all-LED headlamps incorporating all light functions of the Intelligent Light System in the CLS-Class
2010: New xenon burner with 20 percent higher colour temperature, and thus closer to daylight, in the S and E-Class
2011: Start of series production of the spotlight function (world premiere)
2013: E-Class with energy-efficient LED low-beam headlamps as standard (34 watts/vehicle)
2013: World premiere of the standard-specification multi-level function of the tail lamps in the E-Class
2013: New S-Class is the first car fitted exclusively with LED headlamps as standard. New light functions (optional extra): Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Night View Assist Plus Only light source on board: LEDs Multi-level functionality of tail lights in consideration of vehicles following behind
2014: C-Class with all high-end ILS light functions in LED incl. multi-level function of the tail lamps and “welcome home“ lighting function with blue fibre-optics. Unique in this vehicle segment.
2014: World premiere of MULTIBEAM LED headlamps in the CLS-Class
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