It's the novel operations of SBC that should appeal to drivers on a regular basis, however. Caza says the Soft-Stop function of SBC software "ensures particularly gentle and smooth stopping, which provides significant comfort benefits particularly around town when you need to slow down frequently for traffic lights."
SBC also dries off the brakes before they're needed, Caza explains, by "sending out short brake impulses at regular intervals to ensure that the water film on the brake discs dries off and that SBC can always operate with optimum effectiveness." This automatic dry-braking function is activated at regular intervals when the car's windscreen wipers are running, she explains, so the driver doesn't even notice them.
Traffic Jam Assist is activated by using the cruise control stalk while the car is stationary. "The benefit is that during stop-and-go traffic drivers only need to use the accelerator pedal," Caza says. Once the drivers take their foot off the accelerator, SBC slows the car down to a standstill at a steady rate of deceleration. The Traffic Jam Assist facility can remain operational up to 60 km/h and switches off automatically at higher speeds.
On hills or steep driveways, SBC's Drive-Away Assist prevents the car from rolling backwards or forwards. "Stepping onto the brake pedal quickly but sharply is all it takes to activate the brake," Caza says. "If the driver accelerates, the Drive-Away Assist releases the brake and allows the car to drive off smoothly."
Mercedes didn't give any clue when SBC might be available on production cars, but history suggests that it will make its debut on the company's S-class lineup in the next couple of years and work its way into the other models after that.