How ABS works: there are sensors fitted on all four wheels which detect the rotational speed of each wheel and pass this information on to a central control unit. If the critical point of blocking the wheels is reached, the wheel is stopped at precisely that threshold by pressure variation. The brake pressure can be increased and decreased numerous times in the space of a second.

When braking, all the forces acting on the wheels and the rolling behaviour are continually monitored. The braking forces acting on the wheels are distributed in such a way that no wheel can lock, and the steerability of the vehicle is preserved as far as possible.

In December 1970, Mercedes-Benz presented the world's first electronically controlled ABS – a revolution in driving and road safety. Thanks to targeted electronic braking intervention, the wheels don't lock for long periods of time. The risk of losing steering stability is minimised and, in the case of a full application of the brakes, the vehicle can be steered in the desired direction. ABS technology forms the basis for further developed electronic safety systems such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) or the Brake Assist system (BAS).

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) significantly reduces the risk of the vehicle skidding and tipping over by selectively braking individual wheels or by braking the vehicle as a whole.

High-performance electronics monitor the signals from the ESP® sensors and constantly determine whether the steering commands of the driver match the actual movements of the vehicle. If the values deviate from one another, the system decreases the engine torque to restore stability to the vehicle. If this is not sufficient, it also brakes individual wheels or the entire vehicle. The driver’s request for deceleration is observed at all times.

The emergency braking system ABA 6 assists the driver by automatically initiating emergency braking if there is a risk of rear-impact collision with vehicles in front or stationary obstacles. It also detects moving or stationary persons and cyclists in front of the vehicle. The system reacts to this with an acoustic and visual warning to the driver as well as an automatically initiated partial braking or emergency braking.

With Active Brake Assist 6, accidents can be avoided even more reliably. The system covers the entire vehicle speed range and is active in the background. Up to a speed of 60 km/h, pedestrians and cyclists can react. The ABA 6 safety system reacts to crossing and oncoming pedestrians and moving cyclists in the vehicle’s own lane with automatic emergency braking. This automation also provides increased safety for cyclists, whether in intercity or urban traffic.

Sideguard Assist 2 is a safety assistance system that supports the driver in critical situations when turning right or turning left when visibility is possibly restricted. The system is designed to help detect moving obstacles within the system limits, and warns the driver so as to avoid critical situations or reduce the consequences of accidents when turning off or changing lanes.

The side areas of the vehicle are constantly monitored. As a result, vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists who may be in the blind spot are detected on both the front passenger side and the driver’s side. The radar system precisely detects the movements and warns the driver of possible collisions. The intuitive user interface and clear warnings allow the driver to drive safely and relaxed.

The rain sensor and automatic driving light are assist systems that activate automated functions by means of a sensor system and relieve the driver of routine tasks.

The light sensor increases road safety by automatically switching on the driving lights depending on the current lighting conditions and thus improving the visibility of the roadway.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) displays the current pressure in the individual tyres and warns of deviations from the optimum pressure. This reduces tyre wear, has a positive effect on fuel consumption and prevents dangerous tyre damage.

The right tyre pressure contributes to driving safety and significantly reduced fuel consumption. Even a tyre pressure set 0.5 bar too low can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. The wheel electronics are positioned on the valve on the inside of the rim. The sensors record the data relevant to the tyre pressure and transmit it to the display instrument.