Look out, pothole! Mercedes-Benz’s C-to-X tech aids detection

Large potholes are a safety hazard, because if drivers do not recognise them in time, they can no longer take evasive action or reduce their speed. There is also a risk of damage to tyres and the suspension system. In the worst case, accidents can happen. Mercedes-Benz is now increasing safety with additional Car-to-X functions.

New C-Class and S-Class models as well as the EQS can detect potholes or speed bumps. If the chassis control unit registers such an event, and the ‘Car-to-X Communication’ service is activated, the information is sent to the Mercedes-Benz Cloud in real time via the mobile phone network, together with positional data. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in the vicinity are informed, and the events are displayed with icons on the navigation map. About 10 seconds before the relevant lane section is reached, an audible warning is given and the icon is visually highlighted.

Mercedes-Benz passenger cars produced from 2016 onwards can receive the warning information. In total, that’s over three million vehicles worldwide. Prerequisites are a Mercedes me account as well as activation and online availability of the ‘Car-to-X Communication’ service. In these vehicles, warnings are given with the familiar voice output ‘Traffic event ahead’. In the new C-Class, S-Class and EQS, the audible warning is ‘Look out, pothole!’ or “Attention, speed bump”. The new alerts are now available in selected markets worldwide, and in all 36 languages recognised by the infotainment system.

In-house development
Mercedes-Benz developed the new Car-to-X functions completely in-house. The new pothole detection system was tested at the Immendingen Test and Technology Centre (PTZ), among other locations. More than 30 different test and trial tracks are available there over an area of 520 hectares, including what are known as comfort tracks with bumps and potholes of all kinds.

New-generation C-Class and S-Class models and the EQS can detect potholes when a certain threshold value is reached during sudden suspension compression and rebound, and this also occurs at the rear axle after the front axle with a certain time delay. A similar algorithm is used to detect speed bumps: in this case detection is via the compression and rebound sequence.

Another Car-to-X function from Mercedes-Benz uses the information from Crosswind Assist: If this assistance system becomes active in the event of a strong crosswind, and supports the driver with targeted braking or steering interventions, the Mercedes-Benz Cloud is also notified. Drivers following behind can therefore be specifically warned of gusts.

Because the sensors of other cars are also used, the Car-to-X technology significantly expands the coverage of the vehicle’s own sensor technology, e.g. the radar or camera systems. The Car-to-X technology allows a look around the corner, so to speak.