Enhancement Box brings latest active safety aids to older vehicles

Collision avoidance system maker Mobileye has enhanced its aftermarket 5-Series at the SEMA show with new features that are available with the addition of a separate module called, appropriately enough, the Enhancement Box.

The Enhancement Box builds on the 5-Series’ suite of forward collision, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warnings with the ability to mute the car radio while an alert is sounding, to disable the cruise control to help drivers stay focused, and to activate the vehicle's brake lights when the system senses an imminent collision. It can also send a haptic signal to warn the driver of danger with a vibration in the seat or steering wheel.

Like the 5-Series, professional installation of the Enhancement Box is required. We had a 560 installed in one of our test vehicles, and found it worked as advertised. While not inexpensive at close to $1,000 including installation, the system does give drivers interested in the latest safety features an alternative to buying a new car. (Read our evaluation of car safety upgrades.)