Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* is an active safety system that recognizes unstable driving conditions at the very outset and applies automatic, corrective action. Utilizing the active build-up of direction-stabilizing brake forces, ESC helps the driver overcome critical situations and keep his vehicle safely under control. Recognized as a critical development in achieving higher levels of safety, ESC is even used by OE manufacturers in the compact car class. It has already become standard equipment on many vehicle brands. In 2003 alone, we delivered some 3,126,000 units of this proven technology.

• ESC is the sum of the functions:
• ABS Anti-lock Brake System
• EBD Electronic Brake force Distribution
• TCS Traction Control System
• AYC Active Yaw Control

ESC continuously evaluates the measured data from numerous sensors and compares the driver's input with the actual behavior of the vehicle. If an unstable condition develops - such as a sudden evasive maneuver - within a fraction of a second, ESC intervenes via engine electronics and the brake system to help stabilize the vehicle.

ESC animation (download, mov-file)

Our ESC is based upon the high-performing EBS MK60. As a result of its flexible design and add-on capability, ESC also forms the core of our advanced, intelligent chassis systems. We are already in a position to introduce the first extended functions such as ARP and ESC II.

This is how ESC corrects the situation when a vehicle is understeered

If the front wheels of an understeered vehicle drift outwards, braking applied to the rear wheel on the inside of the curve develops a compensating yaw moment which returns the vehicle to the desired course again.

This is how ESC corrects the situation when a vehicle is oversteered

If the vehicle threatens to oversteer with the rear of the car breaking away, braking is applied to the front wheel on the outside of the curve. The compensating moment operating in a clockwise direction turns the vehicle into the desired direction again.

*ESC (Electronic Stability Control) = ESP (Electronic Stability Program)