The short-throw action and optimum coordination of engine power, transmission and rear-axle ratios offer the best conditions for sporty yet fuel-efficient driving. In addition, a display in the instrument cluster supports a particularly economical approach to using resources.

All models fitted with the 6-speed manual transmission are equipped with the ECO start/stoop function as standard. It reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (for example when in a traffic jam or at traffic lights).

In conjunction with other consumption-reducing measures, the consumption and efficiency-optimised 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission features a compellingly reduced fuel consumption level, precision gearshifts and reduced noise.

The AMG rear-axle differential lock improves traction, in particular when driving in a sporty manner If there is a difference of speed between the drive wheels, the torque is transmitted to the wheel with better grip in order to reduce slip.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with its adaptive electronic damping system provides high-level driving dynamics or brand-typical comfort on long journeys.Steel spring struts are used on the front axle, while the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs.

The front-axle steel springs ensure a sensitive response, while the rear air struts with their automatic self-levelling control system keep the vehicle at a constant height independently of the load. An electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, as well as reducing body roll.

The advantages at a glance:

With its four drive programmes, double-declutching function and Race Start function the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is equally suited for a fuel-saving driving style and for a fast lap on a closed racing circuit or dynamic acceleration manoeuvres.

Controlled Efficiency ("C" for short) stands for consumption-optimised driving, particularly in combination with the new Controlled Efficiency start/stop function that switches off the engine temporarily when the vehicle is not moving. On the other hand, transmission modes "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sports Plus) and "M" (Manual) enhance both driving pleasure and dynamic flair. They make gear changes in less than 100 milliseconds possible when upshiftingAs you would expect from an AMG, it has a powerful, sonorous engine sound in all transmission modes.

The more direct ratio AMG speed-sensitive sports steering complements the suspension by offering more direct transmission of the steering movement to the road.

It consists of a rack-and-pinion steering gear, speed-sensitive power steering with speed-dependent support and a steering column of tauter design. These technical features make possible very precise steering at high speeds and a sporty driving style through a direct steering response.

The diesel particulate filter is able to filter over 99 percent of solid matter particles out of the exhaust gas, in relation to particulate matter. Filter regeneration is initiated by the electronic engine management and controlled by the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gas at the filter.

The separated particulate matter on the filter duct walls is burned off at exhaust gas temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius. Filter regeneration is initiated by an increase in the exhaust gas temperature and goes unnoticed by the vehicle occupants and other road users.

The DIRECT CONTROL suspension with selective damping combines both agility and ride comfort. The shock absorbers adjust automatically to the driving situation. The superior damping effect and vehicle stabilisation come into their own on poor road surfaces in particular.

The Direct-Steer system adds to the comfort of speed-sensitive power steering with a variable steering ratio dependent on the steering wheel angle. The vehicle's response to the steering angle becomes more agile and steering requirements are reduced.

In order for the driver to be able to check the efficiency of his driving style and, if necessary, make adjustments, ECO display shows an evaluation of driving style in the instrument cluster speedometer field.

The ECO start/stop function reduces fuel consumption and emissions by switching off the engine automatically when the car comes to a stop (e.g. in traffic jams or at traffic lights).

3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) permits the driver to adapt ESP® to the respective driving style depending on the situation. It reduces the danger of skidding and thus increases driving safety. Three individual control strategies are available: With the ESP® switch the driver can choose between "ESP® ON", "ESP® Sport Handling Mode" and "ESP® OFF" modes.

The standard-fit 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.

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 brakes or 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.

The airbags for the driver and passenger provide protection for the upper body 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 a collision of a certain strength, the airbags are deployed.

The gas generators of both airbags work in two stages. Both stages are activated depending, amongst other factors, on the braking force registered. Depending on the predicted severity of the impact, the first stage of the gas generator is initially activated and the airbag only partially filled. 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 active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. If the system registers a collision, the rear section of the bonnet shoots up by approximately five centimetres by means of pyrotechnics.This produces additional deformation space to absorb the impact of the pedestrian's chest at an earlier moment.

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) system ensures that the wheels do not spin when accelerating. Especially when moving off on snow, ice and gravel, the acceleration skid control FEATURE prevents individual wheels from spinning and the vehicle from swerving 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 80 and 180 km/h, ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver visually and audibly as soon as it registers any signs of drowsiness or inattention. The background: sensors analyse driving behaviour and can detect any changes compared with the previously determined individual driver profile.

Brake Assist (BAS) can protect against the risk of accidents. The system can recognise emergency braking from the speed at which the braking pedal is depressed and can automatically supply full braking power.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) then meters the braking power up to the slip threshold, which is how steering control is maintained. Once the driver releases the brake pedal, automatic brake boosting is immediately terminated.

Too low a following distance between vehicles is the main cause of severe accidents. The radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST collision warning system can enhance safety and driving comfort by warning the driver of following too closely and can support the driver's braking when it detects danger.

In the speed range between 7 and 250 km/h the system can detect if the safety distance between its own vehicle and objects travelling ahead is too low. When the system detects the danger of a rear-end collision it can emit a visual and acoustic warning to the driver.

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.

In critical situations, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can help to stabilise the vehicle by applying a braking force to individual wheels, and adjusting engine output. By carrying out targeted braking interventions at individual wheels ESP® can prevent both over- and understeer, thus enhancing handling safety.

If ESP® detects a critical situation, it applies the brakes in a targeted manner to one or more wheels according to the situation. Should the system consider it necessary, it will also make an automatic adjustment to engine torque. In this way ESP® helps the driver to stabilise the vehicle within the laws of physics – particularly when cornering and during sudden evasive manoeuvres.

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

The LED tail lights create an unmistakable night-time light signature. All light functions feature LED technology, some with LED fibre optics. The LEDs can be made to shine with different intensities in specific areas of the tail light cluster, depending on their lighting function. The cover glasses of the lamps are in red and white.

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 childproof locks can be used to prevent the doors and windows from being opened in the rear. They are set manually for the rear doors and electrically for the power windows.

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 intensity, the kneebag is deployed.

Activated in the event of a relevant rear-end collision, NECK-PRO 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. In the vehicle rear, three manually-adjustable soft-padded head restraints ensure the required comfort. To allow better view when manoeuvring, the driver and front-passenger head restraints can be lowered at the touch of a button.

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 module calculates the additional steering torque required in every situation. The electric power assistance system (EPS) then executes the corresponding steering command. If the vehicle begins to skid, a perceptible impulse in the steering wheel helps the driver to countersteer in the correct direction.

The headlamp beam control adjusts the light cones of the headlamps to the vehicle’s pitch (pitch angle). In this way the lighting of the road ahead is always optimal for the driver, and oncoming road users and vehicles travelling ahead are not dazzled.

The pelvisbags for the driver and front passenger provide protection for the pelvic region and hip in a collision. They are thus able to mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a relevant side collision, the pelvisbag is deployed.

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.

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 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 is moved to a more favourable position (only in conjunction with Memory Package) while the side windows and the panoramic sliding sunroof (option) are closed automatically.

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 deduce significant losses in pressure based on any changes in speed. The warning is provided via a display in the instrument cluster.

The driver and co-driver sidebags provide lateral protection for the occupants' bodies in a side-on collision, 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.

Relaxed, fatigue-proof increased ride comfort and fuel-saving driving, in particular on long journeys. The cruise control function allows the driver to set a desired cruising speed. The integrated variable speed limiter (SPEEDTRONIC) enables the driver to set a desired maximum speed, for example when limits are in force or in 30 km/h zones.

The speed limit is selected in increments of one or ten km/h up to the top speed with the control lever, and is displayed in the instrument cluster. If the preset limit is exceeded, e.g. on downhill stretches, the system automatically shifts down a gear (vehicles with automatic transmission) and carries out a partial brake application.However, if the braking effect is not sufficient, a warning tone alerts the driver to apply the service brake, too, in order to observe the desired speed limit.

The variable speed limiter function is an additional function to the familiar cruise-control functions, and can be activated using the cruise control lever. A yellow LED light on the switch and a symbol in the instrument cluster indicate that cruise control mode is turned off and Speed Limit Assist is activated. The speed limiter function is switched off by returning the lever to cruise-control mode, by flicking it to the "OFF" position or by kickdown.

The TIREFIT tyre sealant enables the vehicle to continue driving after suffering a puncture. The sealant is pumped into the flat tyres using an electric air pump, seals holes in the tyres and allows the vehicle to continue on its way to the nearest workshop.

In the event of a side impact with a force exceeding a defined threshold value (as well as other accidents with the corresponding lateral dynamics), 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 side- and pelvisbags and always on the side of the vehicle involved in the side impact.

Once released, the windowbag covers the side pane 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:

The central locking feature can provide enhanced safety as it can automatically lock the doors when the vehicle is in motion. Thanks to the crash sensor with emergency opening, the vehicle occupants can abandon the vehicle rapidly.

The doors are unlocked when a door is opened or the interior switch for the central locking system is activated. If no doors or the boot lid are opened for 40 seconds after the vehicle has been unlocked via the electronic key, the vehicle will be locked again.

The boot lid is locked automatically at speeds above 3 km/h and the doors are additionally locked at speeds above 15 km/h. If the crash sensor detects an accident, all the doors and the boot lid are unlocked to enable help from outside the vehicle and so that occupants may abandon the car rapidly.

Audio 20 CD provides entertainment and can be optionally equipped with an integrated CD changer for 6 discs. It is operated through the multifunction steering wheel and also includes loudspeakers adjusted to match the vehicle interior

The system features comprehensive equipment, including a 14.7-centimetre colour display, Aux-in connection in glove compartment, CD player and telephone keypad. Via Bluetooth® it is now possible to display SMS and stream music from an external device to the radio. The classic hands-free function is naturally obligatory.

The exterior mirrors can be adjusted electrically from the driver’s seat, from where the heating can also be switched on. They are controlled with the switches on the driver’s armrest With these buttons the inclination and the folding function can be triggered. The aspherically curved glass reduces the blind spot, ensuring enhanced active safety.

The heated rear window prevents the window from icing or misting up due to moisture, ensuring clear visibility to the rear. The timer adjusts the operating time of the heating to the outside temperature and the road speed.

Relaxed driving is guaranteed even in poor weather conditions by the windscreen wipers with rain sensor which eliminate manual control of the wiping interval. The system also ensures that the wiping process is not activated too soon by individual drops of moisture.

The electronically controlled rain sensor detects automatically if the windscreen is wet and controls the wipe interval accordingly when the driver activates the intermittent wiper control function. The sensor is located behind the rear-view mirror on the inside of the windscreen and emits infrared light towards the windscreen pane at a certain angle; the light is reflected differently according to how wet the windscreen is. The amount of reflected light captured by the sensors controls the wiper cycle from single wipe to continuous wipe. In order to prevent the formation of ice and condensation the measurement sector is heated.

The partial LED headlamps with LEDs for headlamps, daytime driving lights and position lights ensure less dazzling on the road, thus enhancing safety. They feature quick switch-on time, extremely long service life and high reliability. In addition, depending on the function, their energy requirements are considerably lower than those of conventional headlamps, which has a positive effect on the vehicle's energy consumption.

Compared to standard glass, the tinted glass reduces the degree to which heat penetrates the vehicle. As a result, less energy is required to keep the passenger compartment at the desired temperature.

Swift, secure changing of the drive programs and convenient operation of the various function keys: The AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is angled towards the driver, is the central switching point for the sports transmission and all the driving dynamics functions

The drive mode, ESP® and suspension settings can all be programmed by means of a rotary switch and buttons. The driver can easily and swiftly change the drive mode between "R", "N" and "D" by tapping the E-SELECT selector lever If the vehicle is stationary, the parking position can be activated by simply pressing the "P" button. The rotary control switch for drive modes, including the Race Start function, and the buttons for the ESP® functions and the AMG memory function are also located there

The Race Start function allows the driver to call on the vehicle's maximum acceleration potential and ensures the best possible traction on the drive wheels. The optimal pulling-away engine speed is selected and the vehicle accelerates as fast as it can – right up to maximum speed, if so desired. The driver does not need to change gear manually; the AMG transmission changes the gears using short shift times.

The power windows have one-touch control for opening and closing the windows. With the buttons in the driver's door control cluster it is possible to operate all the power windows.

In addition, there are buttons on the other doors to control the respective door's window. The automatic reverse function of the power windows ensures a lower risk of injury and material damage when closing the windows.

THERMATIC automatic climate control delivers individual temperatures and a pleasant climate in the vehicle interior.

The preferred temperature and air distribution for the left and right-hand sides of the interior can be regulated separately for the two zones. In addition, a special filter ensures optimum air quality by absorbing dust particles from the outside air.

The instrument cluster in tubular design contains three analogue dials and a TFT multifunction display to show the information from the on-board computer. The central dial displays the current speed. the left-hand dials show the fuel tank content and the coolant temperature, the right-hand dials display the engine speed.

The instrument cluster has permanent displays (for speed, engine rev speed and fuel level), indicator lamps and warning lamps. In addition, control messages and warnings, operating statuses, convenience displays and the trip computer are shown in the multifunction display. The settings shown in the multifunction display can be modified using the pushbuttons on the multifunction steering wheel.