Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
A system for controlling ride dynamics
If a vehicle threatens to skid or tip over, the driver needs to register the danger in a split second and take immediate action in order to bring the vehicle back under control. The ESP constantly monitors the ride dynamics of the vehicle and intervenes automatically using the engine management and brake systems if the vehicle is in danger of tipping over or skidding. It is consequently able to assess the situation faster than even a very experienced driver and, provided the vehicle has not been pushed beyond its physical limits, maintain controllability. Typical accident situations such as cornering too fast, slippery roads, emergency braking and hectic evasion manoeuvres can be defused and the accident risk reduced.
Function and operation
ESP comprises two main functions: DSP (dynamic stability program) and ROP (rollover prevention). DSP mainly ensures that the vehicle remains stable (e.g. on wet roads, ice and snow). It intervenes only in the event of a low coefficient of friction when there is a noticeable difference between the direction the driver wants to take and the actual movement of the vehicle. Roll Over Prevention (ROP) reduces the risk of the vehicle's overturning in the event of a high coefficient of friction on dry roads.