The AMG steering wheel plays a crucial role in enhancing vehicle safety, including supporting emergency braking systems, by integrating certain features that help the driver react more efficiently in critical situations. Although emergency braking is primarily controlled by the vehicle's braking system, the steering wheel provides functions that enable the system to work more effectively and assist the driver during emergency situations.

Here’s how the AMG steering wheel supports emergency braking:

1. Integration with Active Safety Systems

AMG vehicles are often equipped with advanced driver assistance systems that work in tandem with the steering wheel to support emergency braking. These systems include Active Brake Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

• Active Brake Assist: This system detects an impending collision and can apply the brakes autonomously if the driver does not act quickly enough. The steering wheel may have alert functions (such as vibrations) that warn the driver of an imminent collision, encouraging them to take action.
• Collision Prevention Assist: If the system detects an object or vehicle in the path of the car, it will warn the driver via visual alerts on the instrument cluster or head-up display and, in some cases, provide a warning through steering wheel vibrations or audible alerts. If the driver doesn't react in time, the vehicle may automatically apply the emergency brakes.

2. Steering Wheel Vibration Alerts

Many AMG vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems use vibrating steering wheels as a way to alert the driver to potential danger. These vibrations can occur in scenarios where:

• Collision risk is detected.
• Lane departure warnings are issued (which could affect braking efficiency).
• Pedestrians or obstacles are detected in the vehicle's path.

How It Works:

• When a risk of collision is detected, the steering wheel vibrates or provides haptic feedback to grab the driver’s attention. This immediate alert can prompt the driver to make evasive maneuvers or engage the brakes.
• In the event of autonomous emergency braking activation, the steering wheel may provide a visual or physical signal to notify the driver that the vehicle is performing a self-braking action.

3. Brake Assist Integration

AMG vehicles often include Brake Assist as part of their braking systems, which helps to optimize braking force when the driver initiates an emergency stop. While the braking force is directly applied by the system, the steering wheel helps by providing intuitive access to emergency braking settings and aiding the driver in situations requiring precise control.

• Active Steering Assist can help keep the vehicle aligned and prevent the car from veering off course during heavy braking in emergency situations.
• The steering wheel's responsiveness and feedback enhance the driver’s ability to make corrective steering adjustments while the car automatically increases braking power.

4. Driver Attention Assistance

AMG vehicles are equipped with Driver Attention Monitoring systems that track the driver’s behavior and detect signs of distracted or fatigued driving. If the system detects that the driver is not responding adequately to potential hazards, it can prompt the driver through various means, including steering wheel feedback.

• If the system detects that the driver is not acting in an emergency braking situation (e.g., not applying the brakes in time), the vehicle will escalate warnings.
• The steering wheel can be used to alert the driver through vibrations, further encouraging the driver to take immediate corrective action or prepare for automatic emergency braking.

5. AMG Performance Brakes and the Steering Wheel

On high-performance AMG models equipped with AMG Performance Brakes, the steering wheel plays a role in fine-tuning the vehicle’s handling and braking response. The wheel may integrate controls or provide direct feedback to allow for optimal braking performance in emergency situations.

• Brake-by-wire systems: In some AMG models, the steering wheel may provide more immediate feedback through performance braking systems when the driver activates emergency braking, assisting in the vehicle’s stopping power.
• AMG Dynamic Select or similar modes can adjust vehicle settings to assist during braking, offering improved control.

6. Automatic Lane Keeping Assistance During Emergency Braking

In addition to braking assistance, AMG steering wheels often have Active Lane Keeping Assist integrated, which helps keep the vehicle within the lanes, even during emergency maneuvers.

• If the vehicle needs to steer slightly during an emergency braking situation (to avoid obstacles or maintain a safe path), the steering wheel adjusts to help the car stay in control while braking.
• This interaction between the steering wheel’s assistive features and braking systems ensures a smoother and safer emergency stop.

7. Dynamic Steering and Vehicle Handling During Emergency Braking

AMG vehicles are known for their dynamic steering systems, which adjust in real-time to provide optimal steering effort based on speed, road conditions, and driving modes.

• During an emergency braking scenario, the steering wheel’s feedback may change to enhance the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. This ensures that the car stays stable and responsive even under high braking forces.
• In high-performance models, the steering wheel may have adjustable settings that modify the steering response, allowing for better control when braking hard at high speeds.

Conclusion:

While emergency braking is mainly managed by the vehicle’s braking system, the AMG steering wheel enhances the overall experience by providing crucial feedback, alerts, and support. Whether through vibrations, integration with advanced safety features, or providing optimal handling during braking, the steering wheel works in concert with the vehicle’s braking systems to help ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle in emergency situations.