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CODE BNB
30
SAFETY
ADAPTIVE ESP™
(ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM)
Adaptive ESP™
(Electronic
Stability Program)*
Details and Technology
The Adaptive ESP (Electronic Stability Program)* is comprised of the following functions: EBD (electronic
brake force distribution) – This system helps to prevent the rear wheels from locking before the front
wheels when braking. ABS (anti-lock braking system) – Helps to prevent the wheels from locking. AS R
(acceleration skid control) – Regulates wheel spin by intervening in the engine management and by
braking the driving wheels. A deactivation switch allows engine intervention to be switched off at lower
speeds and the slip threshold to be raised. BAS (Brake Assist) – If an emergency braking situation is
detected, this system actively increases braking pressure up to the slip threshold. ERM (Electronic Roll
Over Mitigation) – This system helps to detect rollover tendencies during manoeuvres with low road
speed and high lateral acceleration. RMI (Roll Movement Intervention) – This system helps to detect
rollover tendencies in dynamic manoeuvres and in high-speed evasive manoeuvres with a high lateral
acceleration. LAC (Load Adaptive Control) – The system helps determine the gross vehicle weight and
supports the ESP function, depending on the vehicle load. EUC (Enhanced Understeering Control)
– The system helps to stabilize the vehicle in the event of heavy understeer. ESP (Electronic Stability
Program) – ESP interfaces with both the brake system and the engine management. It continuously
monitors the signals from the steering angle sensor, wheel speed sensors, lateral acceleration sensor
and yaw sensor, allowing it to assist the driver if instability is detected. In critical situations, ESP actively
intervenes in the engine management and brake system and assists the driver by generating braking
forces to restore directional stability. When ESP and ASR interventions are taking place, the ESP warning
light comes on in the speedometer. If acceleration skid control is deactivated by pressing the ASR-OFF
switch, the ESP warning light comes on continuously. If a driving situation occurs in which instability is
detected, ESP intervenes and ASR is switched back on again. At speeds over 59 km/h (37 mph), ASR
is always active, i.e., if the system has been deactivated, it is automatically reactivated when the vehicle
accelerates to a speed above 59 km/h (37 mph) and cannot be deactivated. When the speed falls below
59 km/h (37 mph), ASR is deactivated again and the warning light comes on. Even with ASR switched
off, the ESP warning light flashes when the tires have reached their adhesion limit.
Benefits and Arguments
• Enhances active safety in certain critical situations
• Improves track-holding and directional stability by automatically adjusting for load weight.
ESP enhances safety and ride comfort in certain critical situations and coordinates and enhances the
operation of ABS and ASR. Augmented by the new functions ERM, RMI, LAC and EUC, ESP provides a
high level of driver assistance and increases stability in critical dynamic situations.
Remarks
Adaptive ESP is standard on all models.
*No system, no matter how sophisticated, can repeal the laws of physics or overcome careless driving actions. Performance is limited
by available traction, which snow, ice and other conditions can affect. When the ESP warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes, the
driver needs to use less throttle and adapt speed and driving behaviour to prevailing road conditions. Always drive carefully, consistent
with conditions. Please always wear your seat belt. ESP is a trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG.
Picture shows pre-production model.