Mercedes-Benz has recently opened a state-of-the-art light testing center at its proving ground in Immendingen, Germany. At 443 feet long and 26.2 feet high, the testing center is among the largest and most advanced of its kind and will reshape how headlights, driver assistance systems, and chassis durability are tested in the automotive industry. The new proving ground also has a digital twin that can virtually replicate new models and simulate how they will perform before the vehicles can physically hit the track.
The opening of this light testing center represents a major milestone for an automotive industry that is under pressure to deliver safer and more efficient vehicles while shortening development times. By creating a controlled environment that allows for repeatable testing of headlights and sensor systems regardless of the weather or time of day, Mercedes-Benz can all but eliminate uncertainty in the testing process and have new vehicles ready for the global market faster than ever before.
The 443-foot light tunnel is capable of simulating real-life traffic conditions such as aging asphalt, oncoming traffic, and pedestrians in the road. The testing center also relies almost entirely on robotic drivers, which eliminates human fatigue and allows testing to be completed around the clock.
While the light testing center was designed by and for Mercedes-Benz, it represents a major shift in how vehicles will be tested before hitting the market. The controlled yet versatile environment allows for more accurate test results, which in turn will make for safer and more reliable vehicles around the world. This testing center may be the first of its kind, but we can expect similar centers to open in the future.
If you're interested in learning more about the new Mercedes-Benz light testing center and how it will affect driving in the future, or if you want to test-drive a Mercedes-Benz vehicle yourself, visit our Mercedes-Benz dealership today.
