Mercedes drivers sit pretty with Bosch's new intelligent seat

Drivers of the new Mercedes E-Class, launched later this year, can sit in the most advanced car seats in the world, thanks to a joint development by Bosch and DaimlerChrysler.
The 'drive-dynamic' seat's contours are changed according to information received from sensors around the car, to provide the best of both worlds in comfort and sports seating performance.
When the car is driven hard, the system automatically increases air pressure to inflatable side bolsters in the backrest, providing more lateral support for cornering. For less demanding motorway cruising, the side cushions soften for a more relaxed seating position.
The system incorporates a Bosch control unit, which receives information on the current driving dynamics via a CAN data line from sensors around the car, such as those measuring pitch, roll and yaw for the car's electronic stability system. The control unit continuously operates a pump and accumulator to proactively increase, decrease and maintain the air pressure in the seat.
The new technology can be integrated with existing functions like electric seat position adjustment, memory options for different drivers, seat heating and ventilation. As with existing multi-contour seats, the driver is able to pre-select their individual static contour settings via the key, keyless-go card or memory button.
The seat, which will be available as optional equipment for driver and front passenger on the new E-Class also includes a massage function.