With Adaptive Highbeam Assist, road illumination is improved significantly. As a result, obstacles, unlit objects, pedestrians or cyclists can be seen sooner than with conventional low-beam headlamps.

The active multicontour seats have separately controlled air chambers and can be optimally set to suit an individual??s stature. The seat side bolsters automatically and dynamically adapt to the driving situation. Seat cushion length, seat side bolsters and lumbar support can be adjusted pneumatically.

Additional comfort is provided by a dynamic massage function in seven zones. These are just some reasons why the active multicontour seats were awarded the quality seal by the "Aktion Gesunder R¡§?cken e.V.", a German association promoting products for healthy backs.

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 continuously warns the driver visually and audibly as soon as it registers any signs of drowsiness or inattention. The background: sensors analyse driving behaviour and as a result can detect any changes compared with the previously determined individual behaviour pattern.

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.

• Supportive HOLD function: activating the HOLD function of the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system by stepping on the brake pedal (depressing firmly) keeps the vehicle from rolling unintentionally when stopped at a light 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: with the "Priming" option, the brake linings on the brake discs are primed as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator quickly.

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 electronic parking aid PARKTRONIC 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 obstruction, it emits a visual signal. As soon as the distance is less than approximately 35 cm, a short warning sound is emitted. If the vehicle gets even closer (less than approx. 25 cm away) a continuous signal is heard. PARKTRONIC uses this procedure to make parking easier, even with limited space available.

The parking guidance system not only supports the driver when parking, but also when searching for a parking space. The ultrasound sensors in the front bumper automatically calculate the length of reverse parking spaces at speeds of up to 30 km/h. Once a suitable space is found, the parking guidance system provides precise instructions on the correct steering angle as well as the points at which to turn and reverse.

The LED light package lends the E-Class a distinctive look, using advanced LED technology to emphasise its charismatic appeal. The package 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: further components of the Intelligent Light System include enhanced fog lamps as well as an active curve illumination feature and cornering light function.
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist 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 up ahead.

Night View Assist Plus improves visibility in dark ambient conditions and if oncoming vehicles cause significant dazzling. The system supports the driver by helping to ensure that any potential dangers are not overlooked, even when there is oncoming traffic and without having to switch to main beam.

The system works with infrared headlamps and an infrared camera which transmits an image as a clear grey-scale image which is shown in 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 even 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 well-nigh every drive is a good one.

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 system identifies a typical critical driving situation, depending on the driving situation and vehicle equipment the belt tensioners can be activated, the electrically adjustable front-passenger seat (only in conjunction with the ?Memory package) moved to a better position for impact, and if necessary the side windows and?panoramic sliding sunroofsliding sunroof?(optional extra) automatically closed ¡§C all within fractions of a second.

Cars from Mercedes-Benz have a host of safety systems to prevent accidents. Should the worst come to the worst, however, a comprehensive range 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. In addition, Sidebags and pelvisbags for the front seats and windowbags are also fitted. The driver??s kneebag can help further reduce the driver??s risk of injury in an accident. Sidebags in the rear are also available as an option.

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 intercept the impact with the upper body of the pedestrian earlier.

Activated in the event of a 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 early stage by employing a spring mechanism to move the head restraints forwards and upwards. The restraints can be manually returned 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:

• The best possible protection: the engine can be switched off automatically and the fuel supply can be cut off.
• Conspicuous lighting: the hazard warning lamps and the emergency interior lighting can be activated automatically in order to prevent consequential accidents and make it easier to find the accident vehicle.
• Good escape possibilities: the doors can be automatically unlocked.
• Measure to aid rescue: integral crash joints between the wing and the door can make opening the doors after a frontal collision easier.