Digitization of Testing

“As with all test modules at Immendingen, the Heide durability circuit also has a ‘digital twin.’ The proving ground is digitally mapped down to the sub-millimeter level, and vehicles and loads are digitally mirrored. This data is used in preliminary simulations, serves as load spectra for test benches and thus enables test results to be quickly fed back to the development departments.

“Today, digital testing is so precise that often many thousands of miles are driven digitally before the first physical test miles are driven on the test site. This means, for example, in chassis tuning for each new model series, more than 100 different variations are tested digitally. The most suitable variants are then installed on a prototype vehicle and tested physically in Immendingen.

“One of the greatest advantages of the Global Proving Ground Immendingen is nearly all test requirements for real-world testing – apart from snow, ice and extreme heat – are consolidated at a single location. Approximately 80% of test drives previously carried out on public roads have now been relocated to the site. International testing activities have also been significantly reduced without compromising testing quality – an important measure to shorten development times, accelerate vehicle maturity and reduce the carbon footprint of development.’

“During peak weeks, an additional 2100 Mercedes-Benz employees from other plants are onsite for testing along with the 250 dedicated employees.

“Sheep are largely responsible for maintaining the landscape on the test site. As grazing animals, they prevent shrubs and trees from growing on the rough pasture and displacing the species-rich meadow landscape. Several llamas also reside on the test site and protect the sheep herd from foxes.

“Mercedes-Benz has invested €200 million in the construction of the site on a former military base since the ground-breaking ceremony in 2015. Since its opening, an additional €200 million have been invested in the expansion of the site,” Mercedes said.