Lexus should have learned from Mercedes Benz’s mistake
October 7th, 2005When the current Mercedes E class came out with its brake-by-wire technology, it was hailed as a breakthrough – the future of braking systems. While the advantages were clear on paper on the test track, the systems made it impossble to brake smoothly – rather embarrassing when you’re carrying passengers…
Mercedes has since cancelled its plans to use the technology in any upcoming models; even the technology laden new S class (complete with another bad idea – an iDrive style controller) has conventional brakes.
Now Lexus has put a brake by wire system in the new GS. As Automobile’s Mark Noordeloos notes in the November ‘05 issue:
After all of Mercedes Benz’s issues with a brake-by-wire system I’m surprised that Lexus fit this technology to the GS. These binders are too abrubt on application and difficult to modulate…
Perhaps the car companies should consult us before making cars (as our clients do before buying them).