Cycle & Carriage - SL-Class Roadster

The SL-Class Roadster: Assistance systems

Allow yourself to be assisted

Numerous assistance systems are available in the new SL Roadster to ensure driving in traffic remains a stress-free experience. They help to raise awareness of potential hazards and support the driver both when driving on the open road and when performing complex driving manoeuvres.

DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control (optional)[1] DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control helps the driver to maintain a specified (timed) distance from the vehicle ahead when travelling at speeds of 0 to 200 km/h.
Active Body Control (ABC) (optional)[2] The Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension provides the maximum driving comfort combined with enhanced driving dynamics through a combination of active suspension and passive damping. With it, the sprung mass vibrations of the vehicle body when pulling away and braking can be reduced just as significantly as vehicle roll when cornering. The driver can choose between the two settings "Comfort" and "Sport". The combination of active suspension and passive damping means that vehicle occupants need hardly make any compromise in ride comfort, even when the suspension set-up is sporty. At high speeds the vehicle body is automatically lowered, to improve driving stability on high-speed road stretches.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist[3] The Adaptive Highbeam Assist system makes it possible to identify the course of the road ahead, pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles sooner than with conventional low-beam headlamps. A camera is used to control headlamp range adjustment and the main beams in such a way that the road receives the best possible illumination in line with the current driving scenario and with any vehicles travelling ahead with their lights on. The main beams are automatically switched on if no other road users with their lights on are detected. A special feature: there are no abrupt changes in light intensity, but gentle transitions from one type of light to another instead.
Active Parking Assist, including PARKTRONIC (optional)[4] Active Parking Assist makes parking the vehicle considerably easier. It automatically steers the new SL Roadster into parking spaces while the driver need only operate the gas pedal and brake. The Active Parking Assist function automatically begins a parking space search at speeds below 36 km/h. As soon as the speed of the SL drops below this figure, Active Parking Assist shows a "P" and a direction arrow in the instrument cluster to indicate that it has detected a suitable parking space. If the driver engages reverse and confirms the parking space offered, the Active Parking Assist feature completes the parking manoeuvre on its own at speeds of less than 10 km/h. All the driver is required to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals, and after a maximum of five moves the parking procedure will have been completed. The driver can intervene to correct the manoeuvre at any moment. If Active Parking Assist is not used, the PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid monitors the front and the rear sectors, warning the driver if it detects a danger of collision. The function is active at speeds of up to 16 km/h.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE braking system The standard ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves ride comfort and safety by helping to perform critical braking manoeuvres with the basic function of the ABS anti-lock braking system while convenience functions make coping with daily driving situations easier. Supporting HOLD function: The HOLD function of the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system supports the driver when the vehicle is stationary by holding the vehicle at a standstill, if the driver briefly depresses the brake pedal once again. The vehicle is held both on inclines and on the level automatically without the driver having to keep his foot on the brake pedal. Extra help: The Hill-Start Assist function can prevent the vehicle from rolling unexpectedly on inclines when the driver moves his foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. Full braking power immediately: The "brake drying" function can regularly remove the film of water that forms on the brake discs in wet conditions, thus considerably improving the braking response. For an even quicker reaction: The "priming" function shortens the braking response time by moving the brake pads close to the discs whenever the driver takes his foot off the accelerator quickly in a potential emergency braking situation. This can help reduce the brake response time.
Electric parking brake with convenience function The electric parking brake is operated by means of a button located below the light switch. The absence of the pedal frees up additional space in the footwell. The convenience function makes it possible to automatically release the electric parking brake when driving off by simply depressing the accelerator pedal.
Intelligent Light System ILS The Intelligent Light System – as an active component of the safety concept – ensures the best possible visibility in all weather conditions and the most diverse traffic situations. In conjunction with High Beam Assist the system adapts to oncoming traffic, curves, fog or free stretches of road and adjusts the characteristics of the light individually to the traffic situation to ensure the best possible illumination. Shining light on things: In the “country light” mode the light from the low-beam headlamps is distributed in such a manner that the edge of the carriageway is significantly better illuminated than with conventional headlamps. Adapts to the actual speed: The motorway mode is automatically activated in two levels: from 90 km/h the system increases the output of the bi-xenon lamps. From 110 km/h the setting of the headlamp on the inside of the traffic lane also changes to uniformly illuminate the entire width of the lane for a distance of up to around 120 metres. For all weather conditions: With the extended fog lamp function the system improves the visibility when fog is present. The left-hand bi-xenon headlamp pivots outwards and the light cone is simultaneously lowered. This light function is automatically activated as soon as the rear fog lamp is switched on if the vehicle is not travelling faster than 70 km/h. Follows the driver: Sensor data on the steering angle, yaw rate and vehicle speed allow the bi-xenon headlamps to pivot to the side in fractions of a second as soon as the vehicle enters a curve. With the “cornering light” function the cornering lamps automatically switch on when the driver actuates the turn indicator or turns the steering wheel. The Adaptive Main-Beam Assist function makes exceptionally good vision at night possible without dazzling oncoming traffic or drivers of vehicles in front. Helpful in all weather conditions: The integrated headlamp cleaning system minimises soiling of the lights.
Reversing camera (optional) The reversing camera offers convenience and added safety. Integrated in the boot lid, the camera shows an image of the area behind the vehicle to the COMAND screen. The camera image not only makes parking easier but also aids in manoeuvring on terrain with visibility limitations.