1. BMW.

EDRIVE TECHNOLOGY

BMW eDrive is the new drive system technology used in all the electrically powered vehicles
from BMW i and the plug-in hybrid models from BMW. As well as outstanding efficiency and
seamless everyday practicality, BMW eDrive also delivers the highest standards in driving
dynamics and quality, in keeping with BMW tradition. Alongside BMW TwinPower Turbo
technology for combustion engines, intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamics,
BMW eDrive technology is therefore one of the most important elements in the Efficient
Dynamics strategy designed to increase power and further reduce fuel consumption and CO2
emissions. In addition, BMW eDrive offers the option of driving on electric power alone and
therefore with zero local emissions – yet at the same time reveals the ability to cover long
distances when the two drive systems team up.

Moreover, BMW eDrive technology ensures extremely dynamic acceleration off the line thanks
to the instantaneous responses of the electric motor, which generates its remarkable torque from
the word go. Plus, the eBoost function, which pools the torque of both drive systems under
acceleration, serves up BMW’s signature driving pleasure, whatever the conditions.

The most important components of BMW eDrive technology are the synchronous electric motor
(including the power electronics developed by BMW), the lithium-ion high-voltage battery and
intelligent energy management. The latter ensures the electric motor and combustion engine in
plug-in hybrid models work together as effectively as possible according to the situation at hand.

REMOTE CONTROL PARKING.

The Remote Control Parking assistance system lets the car do the parking. Even after the driver
has exited the car, it parks itself by moving forward into, or reversing out of, a tight parking
space or garage. A button on the BMW display key activates the remote-controlled parking
function from outside the car.
The procedure is monitored by Park Distance Control (PDC), the Parking assistant and the
Surround View sensors. The car must be straight and centred, facing the parking space or garage
for the remote-controlled parking function to be activated. If necessary, the driver can bring the
car to a controlled stop during the parking procedure.
Once parked, the engine can be switched off via the BMW display key. And when it's time to
move on, the engine can also be restarted via the key. During remote-controlled pulling out of a
parking space, the car automatically reverses in a straight line.
N.B. Remote Control Parking is currently only available for the new BMW 5 or 7 Series

2. Mercedes Benz
Car-to-X Communication. The E-class takes the first baby steps toward a future of car-to-car
communication. Using the vehicle’s built-in data connection, the driver can push a button on the
screen to indicate a road hazard such as an accident, a disabled vehicle, or icy pavement. The
alert goes to a dedicated computer network that can analyze it and then send out alerts to other,
similarly equipped Mercedes vehicles in the area (keyed to those that are most likely to
encounter the hazard, based on their current route). The warning consists of an icon on a map
and then, when the car is closer, an audible warning. The system also is set up to automatically
receive alerts triggered via airbag deployment or even cars with their hazard lights on. Later, the
system could receive alerts from emergency vehicles or from other manufacturers’ vehicles, as
the German automakers are working on a common car-communication standard. The more
vehicles that are reporting in, the better the information going out will be.

Autonomous Driving. Autonomous driving is the siren call of leading-edge automotive

technology, so it was clear that the E-class would follow the S down the hands-free highway. In
fact, Mercedes has enhanced the system it debuted on the S-class. (First though, a word about the
need to steer. Yes, the 2017 E-class, like the S-class, can steer itself along for brief periods. No,
that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to leave the steering to Benz. The company describes it as “a
semi-automated assistance system in which the driver still needs to keep their hands on the
steering wheel.”) The system, which is again a function of Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control,
can steer autonomously—sorry, “provide significantly enhanced steering assistance”—not only
on highways but also on secondary roads even with no lane markings, the latter at speeds up to
60 mph. It does so by following the car ahead and by scanning for structures such as guardrails
and even buildings at the side of the road. As for the cruise-control function, it works at speeds
from zero to 120 mph, can creep along in stop-and-go traffic, and can adjust a set speed in
response to speed-limit signs or speed-limit info taken from the nav system.

Automatic Braking. Automatic braking to avoid or mitigate a crash has been bundled with
forward-collision warning for a while, but the new E-class can initiate braking earlier (when the
system detects that an evasive maneuver is not possible), and it works under more scenarios,
including cross traffic entering the lane (also when backing up) or a pedestrian stepping out into
your path. In the latter scenario, the driver is further aided by Evasive Steering Assist, which
adds torque to the steering to help the driver swerve correctly to avoid the person. It does not,
however, initiate the steering action. You still have to do that.
5. VW
Think Blue. Trainer.
The Think Blue. Trainer. evaluates your particular driving behavior and provides you with useful
tips to help you drive even more efficiently in terms of fuel and electricity.
The Think Blue. Trainer. evaluates your driving by awarding points – BluePoints – for particular
types of behaviour. The results are displayed in a central element referred to as the ‘Iris’. For
example, your speed and the foresight you exercise are evaluated, as are your accelerating and
braking movements. The points shown indicate how economical your current driving style is.
This feature is part of the ‘maps + more’ navigation system in the up! and e-up!.

TSI TECHNOLOGY

TSI is our pioneering technology for petrol engines. TSI engines are compact, high-powered and
use less fuel. TSI technology blends the best of our TDI diesel and FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection)
engines.

Smaller engines

At the heart of TSI is a smaller engine. It's more efficient, as there is less power loss resulting
from friction. It's also lighter, so the engine has less weight to shift in the car.

Direct petrol injection with charging

Direct petrol injection is combined with a turbocharger or charge compression with a turbo and a
supercharger (early variant 1.4 TSI engines only) working in tandem. This enhances the engine's
combustion efficiency so the TSI engine power output is much higher than that of conventional,
naturally aspirated engines.

Torque when you want it

On the TSI 1.4 160PS the engine-driven supercharger operates at lower revs, with the
turbocharger - powered by the exhaust gases - joining in as engine speed rises. The supercharger
is powered via a belt drive directly from the crankshaft. This provides maximum pulling power
on demand, even at very low engine speeds. TSI engines are designed to deliver maximum
torque from engine speeds as low as 1500 or 1750 rpm. And that has the twin benefit of not only
increasing your driving pleasure but also cutting fuel consumption.