High-end ESP brings comfort and safety to drivers

In contrast to current brake control systems which work with two pump elements, a total of six pistons are integrated into the ESP 9 premium. They build up brake pressure especially fast, as well as very evenly, regardless of whether high or low brake pressure is required. On the one hand, this means that the brake control system can brake hard in an instant, and thus defuse critical situations. On the other hand, it can also provide the kind of gentle intervention needed for automatic dry braking or for an adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go function. The pressure build-up is assisted by two additional pressure sensors integrated in the hydraulic modulator. Moreover, the smooth operation of the pump means that less vibration is transmitted to the bodywork, practically ruling out irksome noises and vibrations on the brake pedal.

When designing the Generation 9 brake control systems, Bosch placed special importance on a high level of flexibility. This is why much of the hardware and software is modular in construction. While the ESP 9 base provides full protection in critical situations, ESP 9 plus already allows a number of common assistance functions to be executed, from hill hold control to adaptive cruise control (ACC) with a stop-and-go function. And with ESP 9 premium, there is hardly any limit to the sophisticated driver assistance systems that can be offered. These include lane keeping assistant, emergency braking assistant, and smart cruise control, as well as torque vectoring, a vehicle dynamics control function in which torque is distributed individually to each wheel. These functions can be configured as desired. This gives carmakers the flexibility to create the character they want for their brand or individual model, offering their specific and individual answer to questions such as "How far does the news system support the driver, or when do they intervene to correct a situation, and how far does this intervention go?

Despite all these additional functions, ESP 9 premium is smaller and 800 grams lighter than its predecessor. This supports automakers efforts to reduce the overall weight of new models. Service life has also been increased, for example, by using a modified return pump.