The 360-degree camera system displays the vehicle's surroundings from a bird's-eye view on the screen of the COMAND Online multimedia system. Monitoring all four sides of the vehicle makes it easier to judge all manoeuvring situations.

The system comprises a short-range camera system with four cameras and a control unit, which together can provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings One camera is located in a central location in the radiator grille, one in each exterior mirror and one centred in the boot lid. The 'virtual viewpoint' created by the camera images covers an area of about three metres in front of the vehicle and behind. The image is displayed on the head unit screen.

When reversing or parking, additional guide lines, already familiar from the reversing camera function, are displayed to help orientation and the parking manoeuvre. The swept area when turning the wheel is shown along the sides of the vehicle. The camera image changes automatically when the gear is changed (forwards/reversing). The four camera views can also be selected individually through the central controls in the head unit.

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. With the new Steer Assist the system helps the driver stay in lane, primarily by monitoring lane markings and, at lower speeds, the vehicle in front.

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. In the new E-Class the BAS PLUS function has been expanded to include for the first time crossing objects and pedestrians, something that is particularly relevant at intersections.

If a potential collision hazard is identified at speeds above 7 km/h and the driver fails to apply the brakes in good time, PRE-SAFE® Brake 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 considers the situation highly critical and there is no reaction from the driver, an independent full brake application can even be initiated automatically 0.6 seconds before what the system has classified as an unavoidable impact In the new E-Class Cabriolet the PRE-SAFE® brake is now also active when pedestrians are detected.

Improved perceptual safety and shorter reaction times for drivers in vehicles following behind: The adaptive brake light can make a significant contribution towards preventing rear-end collisions by indicating to following traffic that an emergency braking manoeuvre is taking place.

If the driver makes an emergency stop from a speed greater than 50 km/h, the brake lights flash in order to warn following traffic. If the vehicle comes to a stop from a speed greater than 70 km/h, the hazard warning lamps are switched on automatically.

Active Parking Assist helps the driver when searching for a parking place and when parking. With its ultrasonic sensors the system can detect whether a lengthways or side-on parking space is large enough.

Active Parking Assist makes a major contribution to safe and comfortable driving. It helps drivers find suitable parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and helps them to park and to leave a parking space by active steering and brake interventions. The integral PARKTRONIC warns of obstacles in front of the vehicle and behind.

The driver starts the parking manoeuvring process by stopping ahead of the indicated parking space, selecting reverse and confirming the prompt which appears in the instrument cluster. Active Parking Assist takes steering into the parking space by means of steering motors (at speeds of up to 10 km/h). The driver only operates the accelerator and the brake pedal.

The Active Lane Keeping Assist feature can warn the driver by means of a discreet vibration of the steering wheel immediately if the vehicle unintentionally drifts across a lane marking which has been registered by the system, and leaves the lane it is in.

If the marking is an unbroken line and the driver does not react to the warning, the system can apply the brakes to individual wheels as required. This can return the vehicle to its lane. If, however, prior to crossing the lane, the driver has set the indicator or firmly turned the steering wheel, the system assumes that the lane change is intentional and does not react. The expanded system, which is used for the first time in the model series of the new E-Class, also recognises additional dangers when crossing dotted lane markings and when passing as well as the oncoming traffic.

Active Blind Spot Assist helps the driver to avoid potential dangers posed by other vehicles to the left and right of the vehicle when making a turn or changing lanes.

Close-proximity radar sensors monitor the difficult-to-see areas of the blind spot at speeds of between 30 km/h and 250 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 the individual wheels in order to prevent a possible accident.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) enhances driving safety, especially when braking for hazards. During hard braking the anti-lock braking system reduces wheel lock-up by modulating the braking pressure of the individual wheels.
This ensures that the vehicle remains directionally stable and steerable while maintaining maximum braking power.
In other words: ABS allows the driver to brake and steer simultaneously – allowing precise evasive manoeuvring – in order to avoid an accident.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) ensures that the wheels do not spin when accelerating. Especially when moving off on snow, ice and loose chippings, the acceleration skid control prevents individual wheels from spinning and the vehicle from sliding out to the side.

The system uses speed sensors to monitor the slip characteristics of the wheels. If the system senses a wheel is starting to spin, the acceleration skid control corrects the wheel speed by braking and intervening in the engine management system, thus reducing wheel slip and wheel spin.

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.

At speeds of between 60 and 200 km/h, ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver visually and audibly as soon as it detects any signs of drowsiness or inattention.

The automatic child seat recognition system detects child seats with a transponder from the Mercedes-Benz accessories range and automatically deactivates the front passenger airbag.

An aerial integrated in the front-passenger seat emits signals. Transponders in the special child seat models from the Mercedes-Benz accessories range detect these signals and send a feedback signal. Based on this feedback signal, the automatic child seat recognition system deactivates the front-passenger airbag, regardless of whether the child seat is installed facing the front or rear. An indicator lamp lights up to confirm that the airbag has been deactivated. The belt tensioner and the other airbags on the front-passenger side – such as the sidebag, pelvisbag and headbag – remain active in order to protect the child. The front-passenger airbag is reactivated automatically after the child seat has been removed.

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves ride comfort and safety by helping to perform critical braking manoeuvres more safely with the basic function of the ABS anti-lock braking system, while convenience functions support the driver in everyday driving situations.

Too small of a gap between vehicles is one of the main causes of severe accidents. The newly developed radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST collision warning system can enhance safety and driving comfort by warning the driver of following too closely or of stationary obstacles and can support the driver's braking when it detects danger.

When travelling at speeds of more than 7 km/h, the system can recognise insufficient gaps to vehicles ahead as well as stationary objects. The forward collision warning is emitted as soon as the vehicle approaches any vehicle detected to the front at a high speed or acceleration. In this case the driver can be warned visually and audibly.

If the system detects a danger and the driver applies the brakes at the same time, Adaptive Brake Assist can intervene for good measure: It then provides precisely the right amount of brake pressure that is needed ideally to avoid an impending collision. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is an innovative component of the Integral Safety Concept of Mercedes-Benz.

The headlamp assist system reduces the strain on the driver as it can automatically switch on low-beam headlamps, tail lamps and number plate illumination when it gets dark outside. The assistance system performs this task even when it's raining or snowing by electronically detecting the cycles of the windscreen wipers.

Improved vision at dusk, dawn and at night, optimised visibility for other road users and intelligent road illumination without dazzling other road users: this systems makes an important contribution to safe driving as the best possible light quality is provided for every driving situation.

The LED Intelligent Light System comprises LED dipped beams. high beams, turn indicators, daytime running lamps, position markers and cornering light, variable light distribution for country roads, motorways and dense fog, active light function, dynamic headlamp range adjustment and cornering light function.

The tyre pressure loss warning system can promptly inform the driver when it recognises an uneven drop in pressure in the individual tyres, which helps to prevent accidents.  The system monitors the rotational speed of the individual wheels and can recognise significant losses in pressure depending on any changes. The warning is provided via a display in the instrument cluster.

The reversing camera offers convenience and added safety. Integrated into the boot lid, the camera transmits an image of the area behind the vehicle to the central COMAND Online multimedia system (optional extra). The camera image not only makes parking easier but also aids in manoeuvring on terrain with visibility restrictions.

New optics with digital image transfer and additional electronic zoom functions ensure an optimum image in all driving situations. When manoeuvring, the driver can select the "back-in" mode, in which dynamic guide lines indicate the respective path of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is fitted with a trailer coupling, a further mode is made available. In "Back-in" mode the driver is initially assisted in backing up to the drawbar properly aligned through the marking of the vehicle's centre axis. Once he is close to the trailer, "Zoom mode" enables him to align the vehicle with absolute precision. The driver is helped by a dynamic guide line which shows the path of the trailer coupling at the respective steering angle.

The Lane Keeping Assist feature warns the driver by means of a discreet vibration of the steering wheel as soon as he unintentionally drifts across the lane markings which have been registered by the system, and leaves the lane he is in. If, 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.

The STEER CONTROL assistance system can boost safety by providing corrective intervention in the event of oversteering and braking manoeuvres on different road surfaces.

The ESP® control unit calculates the additional steering torque required for the respective situation. The electric power assist (EPS) then performs the appropriate steering command. If the vehicle starts to skid, the system can help the driver to countersteer in the right direction with a perceptible pulsation of the steering wheel.

Active Blind Spot Assist helps the driver to avoid potential dangers posed by other vehicles to the left and right of the vehicle as well as behind it when making a turn or changing lanes. If the system detects another vehicle within the monitoring range, a hazard warning triangle lights up in the corresponding exterior mirror.

Until the present, the BAS PLUS predictive brake assist system has helped the driver in the event of impending rear-end collisions in the flow of traffic or with stationary obstacles. The system is active up to a speed of 250 km/h and provides the necessary braking force if the driver performs an emergency braking manoeuvre.

In the new E-Class the BAS PLUS function for the first time is expanded to include objects (Junction Assist) and pedestrians (pedestrian protection) crossing in front of the vehicle, which is of particular relevance in city traffic and at junctions. Crossing objects as well as stationary or slowly moving pedestrians in the area in front of the vehicle can be recognised by the system, which can then warn the driver and aid in an emergency brake application at speeds of up to 72 km/h.

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

If a potential collision is identified within the speed range 7 to 200 km/h and the driver fails to apply the brakes early enough, the PRE-SAFE® brake system emits visual and audible signals.

If the driver does not respond to this warning, it initiates autonomous partial braking 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 no reaction from the driver, an independent full brake application can be initiated automatically 0.6 seconds before what is considered an unavoidable impact In the new E-Class the PRE-SAFE® brake is for the first time active in connection with detected pedestrians.

The standard PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, in conjunction with the optional Driving Assistance package PLUS, is now complemented by the PRE-SAFE® PLUS system for the first time.

The monitoring of the vehicle surroundings is expanded in this system to detect objects behind the vehicle in order to be able to activate preventive occupant protection measures in the event of an imminent rear impact. This also makes it possible to preventively lock the brakes to keep the vehicle from unintentionally rolling into oncoming traffic after an accident, for example.

The driver and front passenger airbags can help to protect the upper torso and head in a collision – as well as providing additional stability for the entire body. They are thus able to mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a collision of a certain strength, the airbags are deployed.

If the system detects a collision, actuators are activated using pyrotechnics and the engine bonnet lifts up using spring force.Additional deformation space is created between the soft bonnet and the hard assembly in the engine compartment. This can reduce the collision energy as a result and lower the risk of severe injuries. The system can then no longer be initiated, and must be brought to a specialist workshop to be repaired.

The ISOFIX child seat attachment points are designed for child seats that use the ISOFIX attachment system. The ease with which this system allows child seats to be secured lowers the risk of their incorrect attachment. A further belt can be attached to each of the additional Top Tether attachment points, which prevents the child seat from tipping forward and therefore makes the child seat attachment system even more stable.

The kneebag installed as standard on the driver’s side helps to protect the legs during impact and also 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 strength, the kneebag is deployed.

Activated when the system registers a rear-end collision, NECK-PRO luxury head restraints for driver and front passenger can reduce the risk of sustaining a whiplash injury.If a collision occurs, they ensure that the head receives support and the load on the spine is reduced at an earlier stage by employing a spring mechanism to move the head restraints forwards and upwards. After their deployment the head restraints can be returned to their original position by hand.

The sidebags and pelvisbags fitted as standard for the driver and front passenger provide protection to the thorax and pelvis area in the event of a side impact, and also afford additional stability to the entire body.Consequently they can mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident.

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.<br /><br />The pelvisbag is deployed in the space between the front-seat occupants’ pelvic region and the door panelling.
The pelvisbag then braces itself against the impact area, pushing the occupant’s pelvic region away from the door panelling at a very early stage of the collision.<br /><br />Sidebags are available as an option for the rear-seat passengers.

The sidebags in the rear are stored behind the wheel arch lining. When they are deployed during a side collision they provide potential protection for the chest area 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 occupants.

The roof frame structure of the A-pillars is particularly stable. The A-pillars have been reinforced with tubing, offering effective occupant protection together with the roll-over bars in case of an overturn. The roll-over bars’ cassettes are fully integrated in the head restraints on the rear seats and fastened to the area behind the rear seat backrest in the bodyshell. They can be extended in fractions of a second as soon as the airbag control system’s crash sensors detect the risk of an accident.