DISTRONIC PLUS helps the driver automatically maintain a specified distance from the vehicle ahead and helps minimise the risk of rear-end collisions by identifying potentially dangerous situations and reacting accordingly. As the sensors can operate between 0.2 and 200 metres the system is also helpful in city traffic or stop-and-go traffic. It can brake the vehicle to a standstill if necessary and also accelerate it again, if confirmed by the driver.

In stop-and-go traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS applies the brakes automatically – if necessary, until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Automatic braking is applied with a deceleration of up to 4 m/s²When the traffic situation improves, DISTRONIC PLUS automatically accelerates back up to the preset speed if the driver presses briefly on the accelerator or flicks the cruise control lever.

If DISTRONIC PLUS identifies that heavy braking is required, an intermittent warning tone is sounded and a warning symbol lights up on the instrument panel. This alerts the driver to pay close attention and apply the brakes if necessary. To move off again after coming to a complete stop, the driver only needs to pull the cruise control lever or tap the accelerator.

The Adaptive Highbeam Assist provides the best possible low-beam headlamp range. This makes it possible to see pedestrians, cyclists or 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 the road users ahead. If the system registers oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, it continuously adjusts the beam range to the distance so that the cone of light ends before it meets these vehicles. The lights are automatically switched to high beam when no other road users are detected. The particularity of this system is the gentle transition from one type of light to the other without an abrupt change in intensity.

Active Parking Assist makes a major contribution to safe and comfortable driving. It helps drivers find a suitable parking space for parallel parking and helps them to park by active steering intervention. The integrated PARKTRONIC can warn drivers if there are hidden obstacles in front of or behind the car. Active Parking Assist uses two ultrasonic sensors in the front bumper to identify suitable parking spaces when the vehicle is travelling at up to 36 km/h.

The automatic parking space search function is indicated by a "P" symbol in the instrument cluster. If Active Parking Assist has found a parking space, an arrow appears next to the "P". By default, Active Parking Assist searches for parking spaces on the right-hand side of the road. If the indicator on the driver's side is active, parking spaces on the left-hand side are also detected

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 then takes over the steering at up to 10 km/h. The driver only has to operate the clutch (in vehicles with manual transmission) and the accelerator and brake. The parking manoeuvre is completed in a maximum of 5 moves. The final parking move is indicated by the message "Parking Assist complete" in the display. This message is accompanied by an acoustic signal.

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. This driving assistance system can warn the driver when it identifies typical signs of fatigue, which in turn improves handling safety.

ATTENTION ASSIST continuously analyses driving behaviour and steering movements. If the system detects certain steering patterns that frequently accompany drowsiness, it warns the driver visually by displaying the "coffee cup" symbol in the instrument cluster at the same time as emitting audible signals. ATTENTION ASSIST can be activated and deactivated in the main menu of the instrument cluster under "Assistance systems". When switched on, it is active at speeds between 80 and 180 km/h.

Brake Assist can detect emergency braking situations based on the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed and assists the driver by increasing the brake pressure. The system interprets a certain speed at which the brake pedal is depressed as an emergency situation, and automatically builds up maximum braking power within fractions of a second.

Brake Assist is integrated into the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and uses its technology to adjust the braking pressure, thereby eliminating the need for additional components. A sensor permanently monitors the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and transmits this data to the electronic control unit.

If an unusually high pedal speed is registered, the system concludes that there is an emergency braking situation. The system then helps the driver to perform an emergency stop by automatically increasing brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders. ABS continues to precisely meter the braking power up to the slip threshold, which ensures that steering control is maintained. Once the driver releases the brake pedal, automatic brake boosting ceases immediately.

The standard-specification ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves ride comfort and safety by helping to perform critical braking manoeuvres more safely using the basic function of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), all within the limits imposed by the laws of physics. At the same time, comfort functions support the driver in everyday operation.

-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 performs this task even when it's raining or snowing via a signal from the rain sensor.

The Headlamp Assist system uses a light sensor to measure the light level of the surroundings. If light levels fall below a certain level, low-beam headlamps are switched on. If the light intensity of the surroundings rises again, the low-beam headlamps are switched off again. The system ensures the necessary level of illumination for the vehicle at all times, contributes towards handling safety – in particular under rapidly changing light conditions (e.g. driving into a tunnel or multi-storey car park) – and enhances the driver's comfort.

A control button below the light switch allows simple, reliable operation of the electric parking brake.

The brake is released automatically when the engine is running, the bonnet and boot lid are closed, the driver's seat belt is fastened and the accelerator pedal is depressed. The parking brake is engaged by pressing the control button. This can also be done when the ignition key has been removed. When the parking brake is engaged, a red indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up. The parking brake is automatically engaged if the HOLD function brings the vehicle to a standstill, the engine is switched off, the driver leaves the vehicle, the bonnet is unlocked or the vehicle is still for a longer period of time.

Speed Limit Assist uses an integrated camera to identify the speed limits 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.

Too small of a gap between vehicles is the main cause of severe accidents. The newly developed radar-based collision warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST can improve safety and ride comfort by warning drivers when the gap to preceding vehicles is too small and can support the driver's braking when it detects danger.

The system can detect gaps that are too small between the vehicle and objects in front driving at speeds of over 30 km/h. If the system detects the danger of a rear-end collision and a possible impact, the driver can be warned visually and audibly.

If the system detects a danger and the driver brakes at the same time, the adaptive Brake Assist can intervene: it provides the driver with the exact degree of braking power needed to ideally avoid an imminent collision. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is an innovative component of the Integral Safety concept from Mercedes-Benz.

The reversing camera is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged. It helps the driver during linear and lateral parking manoeuvres. Static and dynamic guide lines show the driver the steering angle and distance. The reversing camera is integrated in the tailgate handle and monitors the area directly behind the vehicle.

Through a new look with digital image transfer and additional electronic zoom functions, an optimum image is ensured in all driving situations. When manoeuvring, the driver can select the "back-in" mode, in which dynamic guide lines indicate the relevant path of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is fitted with a trailer coupling, a further mode is made available. The driver is initially assisted, in "Back-in" mode, in backing up towards the drawbar properly aligned through the marking of the middle of the axle. 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 every steering angle.

Lane Keeping Assist can warn the driver if the vehicle begins to unintentionally leave the lane the system has registered. A series of three vibrations of the steering wheel, imperceptible to the other vehicle occupants, serves as the warning signal. The system can likewise recognise manoeuvres during which drivers leave their lane intentionally - when cutting a corner, for example - and in that case will not issue a warning.

The Blind Spot Assist system can detect other vehicles in the poorly visible area directly next to and behind the vehicle using two radar sensors. If a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, a red triangle appears in the exterior mirror. Should the driver nevertheless activate the turn indicator despite this visual warning an audible warning is also triggered. The system is active from speeds of 30 to 250 kilometres per hour. At speeds below 30 kilometres per hour a yellow triangle indicates that the system is inactive.