In the increasingly connected world, intelligence has become the name of the game. Phones are smarter. Watches are smarter. Even eyewear has gained smart functionality.

Not to be left out, automobiles have also become more intelligent, and customers continue to demand cars with greater efficiency, safety and convenience.

In the new era of automotive engineering industry, companies like Mercedes-Benz are leading the way.

For more than a century, Mercedes-Benz has worked to create some of the industry's most intelligent vehicles.

Now, with Auto China 2014 fast approaching, Mercedes-Benz is ready to re-assert its position as a technology leader with an array of intelligent powertrains, safety technologies, and interconnectivity features.

Brains and Brawn - Smart Powertrains

As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Led by its "Green Leadership Initiative", the automaker continues to make the most efficient powertrains available in its quest for zero-emissions driving.

The company made particularly big strides at last year's Guangzhou Motor Show. With a powerful line-up of vehicles, it became the first automaker in China's premium segment to offer four powertrain options - hybrid, diesel, electric, and petrol.

This year, Mercedes-Benz is looking to continue this momentum, and will take the first step with a host of optimized and intelligent petrol vehicles.

Featuring the latest in intelligent direct injection technologies, Mercedes-Benz petrol engines bring customers powerful performance without sacrificing efficiency.

This is seen nowhere better than with two new additions to the R-Class family. Launching at Auto China 2014, the new R 320 4MATIC and R 400 4MATIC come outfitted with an optimized 3.0L V6 bi-turbo engine.

An expanded array of petrol options gives customers added flexibility.

In particular, with the S 600 L and its 6.0L V12 engine also set to launch at Auto China, the Mercedes-Benz line-up will offer 4, 6, 8, and 12 cylinder options.

At the same time, the automaker's expanded array of locally-produced engines feature third generation direct injection technology, and offers low CO2, high torque, and low noise and vibration. Already available on the GLK-Class, these engines operate with microscopic precision to ensure the cleanest ride possible.

Alongside petrol options, Mercedes-Benz also continues to hone its diesel technologies.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz continued its commitment to Chinese customers with two new diesel options - the GL 350 CDI 4MATIC and ML 350 CDI 4MATIC.

Equipped with advanced 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engines, both vehicles boast a state-of-the-art mechanical structure that helps reduce fuel consumption, wear, and noise.

A precisely controlled combustion process greatly increases responsiveness and agility, while a turbocharger ensures high power output and torque even when the engine is running at low speeds.

Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles also produce fewer greenhouse gases than their petrol counterparts, giving customers new ways to lead more intelligent and environmentally-conscious lives.

But while both petrol and diesel engines boast exceptional fuel efficiency, both are rivalled by Mercedes-Benz' various hybrid and electric options.

In the realm of hybrid technology, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead by example.

Beside the S 400 L Hybrid, at the 2013 Guangzhou Motor Show, the E 400 L Hybrid became both the first locally-produced hybrid in China's premium segment and the first locally-produced hybrid from a premium brand.

Combining a 3.5L V6 petrol engine with a 20-kW electric module, the E 400 L Hybrid brings customers excellent fuel economy, ultra-low CO2 emissions, and outstanding power performance. The ability to both run in full electric mode and recuperate braking energy further reduces environmental impact.

As for electric powertrains, Mercedes-Benz likewise made history with the smart electric drive - the first fully imported electric vehicle to be launched in China by a European manufacturer.

With more mature technology but smart's same dynamic personality, the smart electric drive maintains smart's safety, comfort and passenger space advantages while replacing the traditional engine with an electric powertrain.

The lithium-ion battery charges in 7 hours, and when fully charged, can travel more than 140 km - more than sufficient to meet the daily requirements of urban mobility.

Smooth operator: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

Having invented the all-wheel drive more than a century ago, it should come as no surprise that Mercedes-Benz remains a pioneer in gearbox technology.

Known as 4MATIC, the automaker's self-developed all-wheel drive system utilizes the most advanced technologies to provide added traction, optimal handling, and superb agility.

It is also now available on an increasingly wide range of Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

The system was adapted to both petrol and diesel members of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, bringing even more stability to the reliable GLK-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and the legendary G-Class.

This year, 4MATIC will explore uncharted territory.

With the E 320 L 4MATIC Sport Sedan premiering at Auto China, Mercedes-Benz shall bring customers the first locally-produced E-Class with all-wheel drive. Combining top-notch appointments with enhanced driving pleasure, it makes the world's most prestigious executive limousine much more impressive.

At the same time, the CLA 260 4MATIC comes equipped with a variable 4MATIC system found nowhere else. Developed specifically for New Generation Compact Cars NGCC, this new generation 4MATIC is 25 percent lighter than its competitors and more fuel efficient.

It is also more intelligent.

Led by a principle of "torque on demand", this 4MATIC system can transfer torque distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Under normal conditions, the system runs in front wheel drive for added fuel economy. When the need arises, however, torque is subsequently transferred back. The system allows for a 50-50 distribution in total, ensuring a safer and smoother driving experience for all passengers.

The future is now - Intelligent Drive

When it comes to intelligent motoring, one need first look to the appropriately named Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive system.

Available on a growing number of Mercedes-Benz models, Intelligent Drive utilizes state-of-the-art radar and stereo camera technologies to make the road a safer place for everyone.

"Intelligent Drive's assistance systems analyze complex situations and potential dangers with the aid of improved environment sensor systems," explained Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"By linking these together, we are able to enhance comfort and safety and create a new dimension in motoring," he continued.

For example, with Magic Body Control - also known as the world's first suspension with eyes - drivers enjoy the smoothest ride imaginable. This is because the system detects undulations in road surfaces and adjusts accordingly.

The system is available on the S 600 L and S 65 L AMG launching at Auto China 2014, and ensures first-class comfort no matter what lay ahead.

Alongside Magic Body Control are systems like DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, which is capable of autonomously steering the vehicle through traffic jams. It can also help drivers maintain a desired distance from the vehicle in front, stay in the center of the lane, and even make gentle turns.

Active Lane Keeping Assist, on the other hand, helps avoid collisions caused by unintentionally crossing dotted lines due to a blind spot, while Pre-Safe Brake enables automatic braking if there is a risk of a rear-end collision. Similarly, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist can avoid collisions with pedestrians at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Together, these systems take driving safety to new heights.

But they are also important for another reason. They herald the beginning of fully autonomous driving.

Last September, Mercedes-Benz shocked audiences at its S-Class launch with the S 500 Intelligent Drive, which maneuvered its way on stage without a driver.

Just months before, the vehicle retraced the first long-distance automobile journey in history - a 100 km trek from the German town of Mannheim to the town of Pforzheim - with no driver to lend a hand. Instead, the vehicle relied on its highly-automated "Route Pilot" to negotiate heavy traffic, traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrians, cyclists and trams.

"With the S 500 Intelligent Drive, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to build and deploy a car capable of autonomous driving in multiple inter-urban and urban environments amid normal daily traffic," explained Weber.

Armed with these technologies, Mercedes-Benz continues to push the industry forward while paving the way towards the future of motoring.

"It is a huge leap for the automotive industry and Mercedes-Benz, which has always pioneered technologies now taken for granted in the industry today. With Intelligent Drive, we are now simply a step away from making fully autonomous driving a reality," added Weber.

A world of convenience - Mercedes-Benz

CONNECT

Just as customers continue to demand the utmost in performance and comfort, interaction between drivers, their vehicles, and the outside world has also become increasingly important.

Mercedes-Benz continues to drive these innovations, and using both cutting-edge technologies and in-depth research on human-machine interconnectivity, it has developed Mercedes-Benz CONNECT, a comprehensive in-vehicle telematics system tailor-made for Chinese consumers.

Offering convenience, infotainment and security services, it can provide users with travel arrangements, the latest news and information, and safety and support as needed.

These include points of interest, weather information, and stock and futures indexes.

The system can also assist in the event of emergency and theft, thanks to a call service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An integrated solution for an increasingly connected world, Mercedes-Benz CONNECT brings customers into a new era of intelligent driving and interconnectivity.

For more than a century, Mercedes-Benz has set the bar for intelligence in automotive engineering.

Taking efficiency, safety, and convenience to new heights, Mercedes-Benz will continue to dazzle in 2014 and beyond.

lifangfang@chinadaily.com.cn

Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management of Daimler AG with responsibility for China, and chairman and CEO of Daimler Greater China was driven out with S 500 Intelligent Drive with no driver.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligence Drive takes a major step toward accident free driving.

Mercedes-Benz CONNECT, a comprehensive in-vehicle telematics system tailor-made for China

A variable 4MATIC system equipped on the CLA 260

Third generation smart electric drive Photos Provided to China Daily

(China Daily 04/20/2014 page14)