E-Active Body Control from Mercedes-Benz: how does it work?
May 23 2020,
With the arrival of the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE last year, we witnessed the debut of a new technology - an intelligent suspension package called E-Active Body Control. Connected to the air suspension system, it can control the springs and shock absorbers at each wheel individually.
Here's, in a nutshell, how it works.
The system has an internal control unit that analyzes the road to send commands to each wheel based on road conditions and driving style. This is an industry first.
The vehicle is equipped with a light 48-volt hybrid system. One of its functions is to provide power to the E-Active Body Control system. Hydraulic lines connect the 48-volt system to the shock absorbers, allowing them to increase or decrease pressure and raise or lower the vehicle on command. This prevents the traditional 12-volt battery from being overcharged.
On the road, the system's action is immediate and constant. The shock absorbers work continuously to smooth out imperfections in the road surface and the driver always feels it. The result is an impressively smooth ride.
What's more, E-Active Body Control adjusts to the riding style with softer or stiffer settings, depending on the experience selected. In off-road driving, there's even a function that lifts the vehicle to make it easier to overcome obstacles.
