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.

Implementing BAS PLUS Brake Assist in conjunction with the PRE-SAFE® brake system helps to avoid rear-end collisions more effectively. If radar sensors identify a potential collision and the driver applies the brakes, BAS PLUS is primed to apply a brake force commensurate to the situation and available stopping distance.

If a potential collision hazard is identified at speeds above 30 km/h and the driver fails to apply the brakes in good time, the PRE-SAFE® brake system emits visual and audible warning signals. If the driver does not respond to this warning, autonomous partial braking is initiated approximately 1.6 seconds before the calculated impact, with a deceleration rate of up to 4m/s2. If the system categorises the situation as highly critical and there is still no reaction from the driver, an independent full brake application can be initiated automatically 0.6 seconds before what is considered an unavoidable impact.

The Active Lane Keeping Assist feature warns the driver by means of a discreet vibration of the steering wheel as soon as he unintentionally drifts across a lane marking which has been registered by the system, and leaves the lane he is in. If the marking is a broken line and the driver does not react, braking is applied to individual wheels as required. If, however, prior to crossing the lane, the indicator had been actuated or the steering wheel firmly turned, the system assumes that the lane change is intentional and does not react.

Active Blind Spot Assist helps the driver to avoid potentially critical situations by monitoring the areas to the left and right of the vehicle when changing lane.

Close-proximity radar sensors monitor the difficult-to-see blind spot areas at speeds above 30 km/h. If the system detects another vehicle within monitoring range, a hazard warning triangle lights up in the corresponding exterior mirror. If the driver then operates the indicator, an additional audible warning is sounded. This also happens if vehicles move from two lanes away into the lane alongside the driver. If the driver does not react to the warning signal, the system can automatically brake individual wheels in order to prevent a potential accident.

The ATTENTION ASSIST function is particularly helpful on long journeys and when driving at night; the system warns the driver if it detects signs of failing attention and increasing weariness.

Between 80 and 180 km/h, ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver visually and audibly as soon as it detects any signs of drowsiness or inattention. The background: sensors analyse driving behaviour to detect any changes compared with the previously determined individual driver profile.

ATTENTION ASSIST is standard equipment for the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE design and equipment lines, as well as for the V6 engine-powered models.

In critical braking situations, specific criteria such as brake pressure and road speed are used to activate the adaptive brake lights if necessary. When activated, the brake lights flash to give drivers behind even better warning of the risk of a rear-end collision.

Studies have shown that drivers' brake-activation response times are shortened by up to 0.2 seconds when emergency braking is indicated by a flashing red warning signal instead of conventional brake lights. At a speed of 80 km/h, this reduction in response time corresponds to a reduction in stopping distance of approximately 4.40 metres. The brake lights flash with a frequency of approx. 3 Hertz (with incandescent bulbs) or approx. 5 Hertz (with LEDs); tests have shown this frequency to be particularly effective.

The adaptive brake lights are activated if the initial speed is greater than 50 km/h and Brake Assist BAS has recognised an emergency braking situation; or the driver applies the brakes with force. As soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill, the hazard warning signal is automatically activated if the initial speed was more than 70 km/h before braking was initiated.

The standard-fit 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 it easier to master challenging driving situations.

The PARKTRONIC parking aid including Parking guidance assists the driver when looking for a parking place and makes it easier to park by giving concrete steering instructions.

Ultrasonic sensors in the side front bumper measure the length of parking spaces parallel to the car automatically if the car drives past at a speed of 35 km/h or less. Parking Guidance starts once a suitable space has been found and reverse gear has been engaged. It gives the driver visual and audible directions via the instrument cluster regarding the correct steering angle as well as the turn-in and turn-back points.

The PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid uses ten sensors to monitor the front and rear of the vehicle during manoeuvring and warns the driver if a potential collision is detected. If the system detects an obstacle, a visual signal appears. As soon as the distance drops below approximately 35 cm, a brief warning sound is emitted as well. If the vehicle gets even closer (less than approximately 25 cm away) a continuous signal is heard. In this way PARKTRONIC makes parking easier, even when space is limited. If the vehicle is not straight yet after the first reversing manoeuvre, the system also supports the driver in the parking manoeuvres still needed.

The system is only available in conjunction with the optional comfort multifunction steering wheel.

Speed Limit Assist is a component of the optional COMAND Online multimedia system and uses an integrated camera to identify the speed limits displayed on road signs and show the permitted maximum speed on the central display. The system also compares identified speed limits against the data stored in the navigation system.

The Intelligent Light System (ILS) with bi-xenon headlamps and variable light distribution – as an active component of its safety concept – ensures the best possible visibility under all weather and traffic conditions.When encountering oncoming traffic, in curves, fog or on free stretches of road the system adjusts to the situation and adapts the characteristics of the light individually.

The rear-view camera offers convenience and added safety. Integrated in the boot lid, the camera transmits 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 difficult terrain.

The Lane Keeping Assist function can detect the unintentional crossing of lane markings. It can warn the driver by means of a discreet vibration of the steering-wheel if the vehicle unintentionally leaves its lane, drifting across lane markings that have been registered by the system. If the turn indicator is actuated beforehand or the steering wheel is clearly turned, the system assumes that the lane change is intentional and does not emit a warning.

Blind Spot Assist helps the driver to avoid potentially critical situations by monitoring the areas to the left and right of the vehicle when changing lanes. If the system detects another vehicle within the monitoring range, a hazard warning triangle lights up in the corresponding exterior mirror. An additional audible warning sounds if the driver now sets the turn indicator to indicate he intends to change lane.

The Brake Assist system BAS PLUS can help to prevent a rear-end collision or at least reduce the impact speed. Using two radar systems to monitor short, medium and long-range zones ahead of the vehicle, it identifies objects travelling before it. It calculates their distance from, and velocity relative to its own vehicle.

If the system evaluates that the distance is narrowing too rapidly, the BAS PLUS Brake Assist system prepares to act. The electronics system calculates the braking deceleration required to avert the danger. If the driver then applies the brakes hard, BAS PLUS recognises the driver's intention and optimises the braking pressure automatically..

Depending on the car's speed and its distance from the vehicle in front, BAS PLUS implements systematic braking and – if necessary – increases braking power up to a full brake application. BAS PLUS intervenes only if the driver's braking reaction is insufficient. BAS PLUS discontinues braking support if the driver stops braking or the radar no longer detects an object in front of the car. At the heart of the BAS PLUS Brake Assist system, which is available in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control system, are sensors that monitor the area surrounding the vehicle and are able to detect potential dangers in mere fractions of a second .

The preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system can recognise critical driving situations and, if necessary, pre-emptively activate reversible safety systems to help reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

This is based on PRE-SAFE® continuously monitoring sensor data from systems such as ESP® and BAS and identifying driving situations such as oversteer/understeer and emergency stops.

If a typical critical driving situation is identified, safety systems can respond within a fraction of a second. The electronic belt tensioners are activated, the electrically adjustable front-passenger seat is moved to a more favourable position (only in conjunction with Memory Package) while the side windows and the panoramic sliding sunroof (both optional) are closed automatically.

The airbags for the driver and front passenger provide protection for the occupants’ heads and upper torsos in a collision, and also afford additional stability to the entire body. They are thus able to mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect an impending collision, the airbags are deployed. For this, a current impulse is sent from the control unit which ignites the kneebag’s initiator, which in turn ignites a solid propellant. The gases which are released in this way fill the airbag. The gases are subsequently expelled from the side of the airbag, away from the occupants.

The gas generators of both front airbags work in two stages. Both stages are activated depending on the braking force applied. Depending on the predicted severity of the impact, the first stage of the gas generator is initially activated and the airbag only partially filled (60% for driver and 70% for front passenger). If a higher severity of impact is predicted, the second stage of the gas generator is activated after a slight delay and the airbag is completely filled.

The kneebag on the driver’s side helps to protect the legs in the event of an impact and at the same time stabilises the entire body. It can thus help mitigate the potential severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a collision of a certain severity, the kneebag is deployed.

Activated in the event of a rear-end collision, NECK-PRO head restraints are adjustable for the driver and front passenger and can reduce the risk of sustaining a whiplash injury. If a collision occurs, they provide head support and reduce the load on the spine at an early stage by employing a spring mechanism to thrust the head restraints forward and upwards. After their deployment the head restraints can be manually returned to their original position.

The sidebags fitted as standard for the driver and co-driver provide protection for the occupants' bodies in a side-on collision, and also afford additional stability to the entire body.They are thus able to reduce the severity of injuries sustained in an accident.

The sidebags in the rear are housed behind the wheel arch trim. When they are deployed during a side collision of sufficient severity, they provide potential protection for the upper torsos of the rear-seat passengers.

They are triggered when the central control unit and the side satellite sensors register acceleration or deceleration forces acting on the vehicle in excess of a certain threshold. The sidebags deploy at chest height between the vehicle side and the occupant.

In the event of a sufficiently severe side impact, the windowbag deploys to cover the side windows and reduce the risk of a collision between the passenger’s head and the side of the vehicle or of objects penetrating the vehicle interior. The windowbag is triggered simultaneously with the standard-fit front sidebag and pelvisbags and always on the side of the vehicle facing the impact.

When deployed, the windowbag covers the side panes between the A- and C-pillars like a curtain. The window airbag covers a large part of the side when deployed.

The window airbag provides the following advantages: