Mercedes-Benz has done a turnabout on the subject of head-up display and now plans to offer the feature on its redesigned S class and C class, say company sources.
The redesigned S-class flagship arrives in showrooms in September. Head-up display is expected to be added as an option to both the S class and C class in the fall of 2014.
Mercedes' system will project speed, navigation data and certain warning lights onto the windshield.
The system likely will include a warning function if a pedestrian is detected by the vehicle's night vision system.
Mercedes is late to the game.
Today head-up display systems are offered by several carmakers and the technology comes in various degrees of sophistication.
BMW launched head-up display in 2003. Audi offers it on the A6 and the A7.
In the past, Daimler engineers have viewed head-up display as a potential driver distraction, but this assessment has been reversed.
Other Mercedes models besides the S class and C class will get head-up display eventually.
"This technology won't come just on one model," said a Daimler executive. "For the investment to pay off, it needs to be a comprehensive roll-out."
