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, and is available for the V6 engine-powered models.

The system is optionally available in conjunction with the comfort multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel (4-spoke, with 12 buttons), and a TFT colour display in the instrument cluster.

If you make an emergency stop from an initial speed of more than 50 km/h the adaptive brake lights flash 5.5 times per second. This flashing of the brake lights warns the vehicles behind you, which can give them more time to react. If the vehicle is braked to a complete stop from a speed in excess of 70 km/h, the hazard warning lamps are also switched on.

The integral ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves ride comfort and safety by helping to execute critical braking manoeuvres with the basic function of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and making difficult driving situations easier with convenience functions.

These include the HOLD function which acts like a parking brake and can be activated by briefly depressing the brake pedal. The HOLD function then keeps the vehicle from rolling unintentionally when stopped at a light or in stop-and-go traffic.

The Hill-Start Assist function prevents the vehicle from rolling back unexpectedly on inclines when moving from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

The brake drying function ensures that the brake discs remain dry even under wet conditions. This eliminates any delay in the functioning of the brakes.

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 monitors the front and rear of the vehicle when manoeuvring with the help of ten sensors and warns the driver if it detects a risk of collision. If the system identifies an obstacle, it emits a visual signal. If the distance drops below approximately 35 cm, a short warning sound is emitted. If the vehicle gets even closer (less than approximately 25 cm away) a continuous signal is heard. PARKTRONIC uses this procedure to make parking easier when limited space is available. If the car is not straight after the first reversing move, the system also helps the driver with the required manoeuvring moves.

The Intelligent Light System is only available in conjunction with the optional comfort multifunction steering wheel.

The Intelligent Light System ¡§C as an active component of the safety concept ¡§C ensures the best possible visibility in all weather conditions and the most diverse traffic situations. When encountering oncoming traffic, in curves, fog or on free stretches of road the system adjusts to the situation adapting the characteristics of the light individually.

In the "country light" mode the light from the low-beam headlamps is distributed such that the edge of the carriageway is significantly better illuminated than with conventional headlamps.

The motorway mode is automatically activated in two levels: from 90 km/h the system increases the performance 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 up to a distance of around 120 metres.

With the expanded fog lamp the system improves the visibility when fog is present. The left bi-xenon headlamp tilts outwards and the light cone is simultaneously lowered downwards. This light function is automatically activated as soon as the rear fog lamp is switched on and the vehicle is not travelling faster than 70 km/h.

The active light function follows the driver's steering angle: sensor data on the steering angle, yaw rate and vehicle speed allow the bi-xenon headlamps to tilt to the side swiftly as soon as the vehicle drives into a curve. With the "cornering light" function the cornering lamps automatically switch on when the driver activates the turn indicator or turns the steering wheel.

The Intelligent Light System is only available in conjunction with the comfort multifunction steering wheel.

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 optionally available PRE-SAFE? occupant protection system can detect critical handling situations and if necessary preventively activate reversible safety systems which help to reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. To do this, PRE-SAFE? continually monitors the sensor data from systems such as the ESP? and BAS, and it can recognise, for instance, vehicle understeer or oversteer as well as emergency stops.

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

Numerous occupant protection systems can significantly reduce the risk of injury during an accident. Examples include the NECK-PRO head restraint, a standard feature on the front seats: when the sensor detects an impact from the rear, it thrusts the head restraint forward and upward in a matter of milliseconds to reduce the gap between it and the occupant's head.

The C-Class is also equipped with adaptive belt tensioners for the front seats, belt tensioners for the outer rear seats and with numerous airbags, including two-stage driver/front-passenger airbags, front sidebags?and rear sidebags, driver kneebag, and windowbags extending across all seat rows. The windowbag protection zone covers virtually the entire area of the side windows.

The sidebags and windowbags are controlled by pressure sensors: if the door deforms due to a side impact, the air pressure between the door panelling and the interior of the door increases. This change is registered by the sensors, which help the control system to trigger the airbags.

Protection also extends to other road users, however, thanks to features such as smooth body surfaces with a generous degree of predefined yield.

To reduce consequential damage after an accident and support the work of the rescue services, a number of different actions are initiated, depending on the type and severity of the accident:

• Optimum protection: The engine can be turned off automatically and the fuel supply can be cut off.
• Safe lighting: hazard and emergency interior lights can activate to lower the risk of accidents and help locate the car.
• Aiding escape: the side windows can be partially lowered and the door locking mechanism can be automatically released.