Michael Schumacher might be a retiree now, but he’s maintaining his relationship with Mercedes through some light publicity work. It’s just the pity they are using him to promote cars like the C-Class. Schumacher’s name should normally be used for super cars and GTs, not a run of the mill family saloon.
Still, Mercedes says that this is no publicity stunt and that Michael Schumacher is in fact testing the new C-Class’ safety features, or “Intelligent Drive” features, to use their fancy name. Check out it:
In fairness though, there are quite a few safety features to be tested on the new Mercedes C-Class, including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake, Brake Assist Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. You do need Schumacher-like skills to put the car in a position where you can put all those systems to work.
Since Schumi made it to the other end in once piece, we have to conclude that the C-Class is a pretty safe car! Yep, it’s a publicity stunt.