Promoting the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the US has turned out to be a double-edged blade, after several organizations, including Consumer Reports and Center for Automotive Safety, asked local authorities to investigate the automaker.
It all started after the manufacturer released a video that showed the executive sedan steer and park itself, just as the driver took his hands off the steering wheel to adjust his necktie. Prior to this, the E-Class overtook the F015 Luxury in Motion self-driving study, while the narrator said: “Is the world truly ready for a vehicle that can drive itself? Ready or not, the future is here.“
Mercedes-Benz, however, tried to play the autonomous card safely, as a print at the bottom of the screen wrote: “Vehicle cannot drive itself, but it has automated driving features. The system will remind the driver frequently to keep hands on the steering wheel. Always observe safe driving and obey all road traffic regulations.“
Due to the claims, Mercedes-Benz USA had decided to remove the ad from YouTube before waiting for an official decision to be made, according to AutomotiveNews, citing the brand’s spokeswoman, Donna Boland: “The new 2017 E-Class is a technological tour de force and is a significant step towards achieving our vision of an accident-free future. We do not want any potential confusion in the marketplace to detract from the giant step forward in vehicle safety the 2017 E-Class represents.“
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can be ordered with the optional Drive Pilot, which adds adaptive cruise control and automated steering, allowing it to stay in its lane and follow traffic at speeds of up to 130 mph (209 km/h).
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