Mercedes-Benz "C" Class Handbrake.(2005 model)?

Can any one explain why the so called handbrake on this model is activated by an extra left foot brake pedal?.


I can see no advantage, in fact it is taking some getting used too. so, is it me, or is there a very good reason for this particular system

Mercedes-Benz "C" Class Handbrake.(2005 model)?
Easy! Because the interior looks more elegant with a foot pedal. Imagine how it would look with a hand brake? Not good. Plus it saves space. Besides hand brakes are becoming obsolete for automatic cars. Mercedes has a couple 6-speed cars with a handbrake only because it's a manual.
Reply:It makes room in the console for all sorts of new gadgets: cup holders, IPod stands, cell phone supports.





In terms of safety, it's much easier to engage a cable operated brake with your legs than your arms. For most of the world, the cable brake is an "emergency" brake or "parking" brake. For these applications, a foot pedal is no disadvantage, and may be an improvement. In the UK, the cable brake is used as part of the usual complement of driving controls: to hold a car on a hill, as a safety when turning across a lane of traffic, etc. I would think that UK drivers would find the footbrake to be uncomfortable, but the rest of the world would be ok with it.
Reply:The advantage is in parts and design consolidation.





Using the foot activated parking brake allows production to use one design for a less intrusive center console, and all the parts related to the handbrake if it were in the middle regardless of if the car is manual or automatic trans.





A center mounted handbrake takes up interior room that is used otherwise for your spacious center console and phone cradle (if equipped).
Reply:Same as on all American cars...its a parking brake...is there not a small handbrake on the dash somewhere....for hill starts....