Adaptive Highbeam Assist significantly enhances road illumination. It enables you to identify obstacles, unlit objects, pedestrians and cyclists much earlier than with conventional low-beam headlamps.

The Active Multicontour Seats feature separately controlled air chambers, which can be configured to suit individual stature. The seat side bolsters adapt dynamically and automatically to the driving situation. Seat cushion depth, seat side bolsters and lumbar support can all be adjusted pneumatically.

Additional comfort is provided by a dynamic massage function in seven zones. This is one of many reasons why the Active Multicontour Seats were awarded the quality seal by the "Aktion gesunder R¡§?cken e. V." ("Campaign for healthy backs"), which is awarded to products that are particularly "back friendly".

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 detects 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 supply full braking power automatically.

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). At the same time, comfort functions support the driver in everyday operation.

• Supporting HOLD function: Activating the HOLD function of the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system by stepping on the brake pedal (depressing firmly) prevents the vehicle from rolling unintentionally when stopped at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic.
• Extra help: The Hill-Start Assist function prevents the vehicle from rolling back unexpectedly on inclines when moving from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
• Full braking power without delay: The "brake drying" function removes the film of water that forms on the brake discs in wet conditions.
• For an even quicker response: The "priming" function shortens the braking response time by priming brake linings whenever you take your foot off the accelerator quickly.

The electronic parking aid PARKTRONIC employs ten sensors to monitor the front and rear of the vehicle when manoeuvring and warns the driver if a potential collision is detected. If the system identifies an obstruction, it emits a visual signal. As soon as the distance to the obstruction is less than approx. 35 cm, an additional short warning sound is emitted. If the vehicle gets even closer (less than approx. 25 cm) to the obstacle, a continuous signal is sounded. PARKTRONIC uses this procedure to make parking easier, even when space is limited.

Parking Guidance helps the driver not only when parking, but also when looking for a parking space. Operating at speeds of up to 30 km/h, ultrasound sensors located in the area of the front bumpers calculate the length of parking spaces. If a suitable space is found, Parking Guidance provides precise instructions on the correct steering angle and points at which to turn or reverse.

Using advanced LED technology to underline its charismatic appeal, the LED Light Package creates a distinctive look for the E-Class. It includes LED indicators and a headlamp cleaning system.

The Intelligent Light System integrated in the main headlamps significantly enhances both safety and comfort. It automatically adjusts to different traffic scenarios, such as cornering or driving on country roads or the motorway. In "country" mode, the road surface is illuminated with a broader beam, while the "motorway" mode produces a significantly longer illumination range.

• Further highlights: The Intelligent Light System includes enhanced fog lamps, as well as active/cornering light functions.
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist also included: It can dip the headlamps as required and adjust the range of the dipped headlamps to match the distance from illuminated oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead.

Night View Assist Plus significantly improves visibility in dark conditions and if oncoming vehicles cause dazzling. The system helps the driver by reducing the risk of overlooking dangerous situations without switching to high beam and without dazzling oncoming traffic.

The system works with infrared headlamps and an infrared camera, which transmits an image as a clear grey-scale image to the central display of the COMAND Online multimedia system. Pedestrians can be automatically identified and highlighted in the display. With this option, it is easier to identify people, animals and objects when visibility is poor.

Mercedes-Benz stands for automotive safety. That's why our vehicles support their passengers even in critical driving situations, so that every drive is a good one, if at all possible.

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 scenario is identified, the belt tensioners can be activated, the electrically adjustable front-passenger seat moved to a better position for impact (only in conjunction with the Memory Package), and the side windows and panoramic sliding sunroof (optional) closed automatically ¡§C all within a fraction of a second and in accordance with the situation.

Phase 3: in an accident

Mercedes-Benz cars are equipped with many safety systems to help prevent accidents. Should the worst come to the worst, however, a host of occupant safety measures are activated. They include protection for the vehicle occupants as well as for other road users.

Occupant protection comes in the form of front airbags, which can be deployed in two stages to match the severity of the impact. Sidebags and pelvisbags for the front seats and windowbags are also on board. The kneebag can help further reduce the driver??s risk of injury in an accident. Rear sidebags are also optionally available.

The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. If the system identifies a collision, the rear section of the active bonnet rises up by approximately five centimetres using spring force. This produces additional deformation space to absorb the impact energy of the upper body of the pedestrian/cyclist at an earlier stage.

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. The restraints can be returned manually to the original position after activation.

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: Engine can be switched off automatically and the fuel supply cut off.
• Conspicuous lighting: Hazard warning lamps and emergency interior lighting can be activated automatically to prevent follow-on accidents and make it easier to find the accident vehicle.
• Excellent escape potential: Doors can be unlocked automatically.
• Improved rescue measures: Integrated crash joints between the wing and door can speed up rescue work by allowing the doors to be opened more easily after a frontal collision.