Mercedes-Benz opens new advanced light testing centre in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated what it calls the most advanced light testing centre in the global automotive industry, further expanding the extensive capabilities of its Global Proving Ground in Immendingen.

The newly opened facility, which spans 135 metres in length and stands eight metres high, allows the company to test cutting-edge headlight systems under fully controlled, repeatable conditions — entirely independent of time of day, weather, or environmental variables.

At the heart of the new centre is a meticulously recreated 135-metre country road, complete with a specially engineered asphalt surface designed to mimic the reflective qualities of aged pavement. The facility can test up to five vehicles simultaneously, including simulated oncoming traffic and preceding vehicles.

The investment in the light testing centre totals 10.5 million euros, with construction taking two years to complete.

“The Immendingen Test and Technology Centre is the first digitised Mercedes-Benz proving ground — here, real and virtual vehicle testing merge seamlessly,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing. “By digitally mapping the proving ground, using automated test programmes and employing state-of-the-art sensor technology, we are making vehicle development more efficient, faster and more sustainable than ever before.”