Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent

The well-proven, radar based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also optionally available to Mercedes-Benz E-Class customers. A further development of the long-range radar sensor now has a range of 200 metres (previously 150 metres), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to be included in the system.

The radar-supported systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given an acoustic and visual warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance.

If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident, i.e. the system acts as something like an "electronic crumple zone".

    See also:

    Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
    There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS: •► Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards 1. or•► Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary. When you deactivate DIS ...

    Automatic interior lighting control
    To switch on/off: press the button. When the automatic interior lighting control is activated, the button is flush with the overhead control panel. The interior lighting automatically switch ...

    Activating with the current or last stored speed
    WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from re ...