The 360-degree camera system displays the vehicle's surroundings from a bird's-eye perspective on the screen of the COMAND Online multimedia system. As all four sides of the vehicle are monitored, it is easier to assess the situation in any manoeuvre.

The system comprises a short-range camera system with four cameras and a control unit, which together can provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings One camera is fitted in the centre of the radiator grille at the front, one camera is fitted in each of the exterior mirrors and one camera is fitted in the centre of the boot lidThe 'virtual viewpoint' created by the camera images covers an area of about three metres in front of the vehicle and behind. The image is displayed on the head unit screen.

When reversing or parking, additional guide lines, already familiar from the reversing camera function, are displayed to help orientation and the parking manoeuvre. The swivel range when turning the wheel is shown along the sides of the vehicle. The camera image changes automatically when the gear is changed (forwards/reversing). The four camera views can also be selected individually through the central controls in the head unit.

DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control helps the driver to maintain a specified (timed) distance from the vehicle ahead when travelling at speeds of 0 to 200 km/h. Extended functionality through incorporation of the new STEER CONTROL function is now additionally based on the lane markings, helping the driver to keep in his lane.

Implementing BAS PLUS Brake Assist in conjunction with the PRE-SAFE® brake system helps to avoid rear-end collisions more effectively. If radar sensors identify a potential collision and the driver applies the brakes, BAS PLUS is primed to apply a brake force commensurate to the situation and available stopping distance. In the new E-Class the BAS PLUS function has been expanded to include for the first time crossing objects and pedestrians, something that is particularly relevant at intersections.

If a potential collision hazard is identified at speeds above 30 km/h and the driver fails to apply the brakes in good time, the PRE-SAFE® brake system emits visual and audible warning signals. If the driver does not respond to this warning, autonomous partial braking is initiated approximately 1.6 seconds before the calculated impact, with a deceleration rate of up to 4m/s2.If the system considers the situation highly critical and there is no reaction from the driver, an independent full brake application can even be initiated automatically 0.6 seconds before what the system has classed as an unavoidable impact In the new E-Class the PRE-SAFE® brake is for the first time active in connection with detected pedestrians.

The Active multicontour seats for driver and front passenger feature separately controlled air chambers, which can be configured to suit individual physiognomic requirements.

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 R체cken e. V." ("Campaign for healthy backs"), which is awarded to products that are particularly "back friendly".

Active Parking Assist helps the driver when searching for a parking place and when parking. With its ultrasound sensors the system can detect whether a lengthways or side-on parking space is large enough.

Active Parking Assist makes a major contribution to safe and comfortable driving. It helps the driver find a suitable parking space to park lengthways or sideways and helps the driver to enter into, and exit from, the parking space by active steering intervention. The integrated PARKTRONIC warns drivers if there are obstacles in front of the car or behind it.

The driver starts the parking manoeuvring process by stopping ahead of the indicated parking space, selecting reverse and confirming the prompt which appears in the instrument cluster. Active Parking Assist takes steering into the parking space by means of steering motors (at speeds of up to 10 km/h). The driver only operates the accelerator and the brake pedal.

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.

Too low a following distance between vehicles is the main cause of severe accidents. The radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST collision warning system can enhance safety and driving comfort by warning the driver of following too closely and can support the driver's braking when it detects danger.

In the speed range between 7 and 250 km/h the system can detect if the safety distance between its own vehicle and objects travelling ahead is too low. When the system detects the danger of a rear-end collision it can emit a visual and acoustic warning to the driver.

If the system detects a danger and the driver applies the brakes at the same time, Adaptive Brake Assist can intervene for good measure: It then provides precisely the right amount of brake pressure that is needed ideally to avoid an impending collision. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is an innovative component of the Integral Safety Concept of Mercedes-Benz.

The reversing camera offers convenience and added safety. Integrated in the vehicle rear, the camera transmits an image of the area behind the vehicle to the (optional) central COMAND Online multimedia system. The camera image not only makes parking easier but also aids in manoeuvring on terrain with visibility restrictions.

New optics with digital image transmission and additional electronic zoom functions ensure an optimum image for all driving situations. When manoeuvring, the driver can select the "back-in" mode, in which dynamic guidance lines indicate the corresponding path of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is fitted with a trailer coupling, a further mode is made available. Firstly, in "Back-In" mode a guidance line showing the vehicle centre axis helps the driver align the centre of the car with the drawbar. Once the vehicle is close to the trailer drawbar, Zoom mode makes it possible to approach the drawbar with absolute precision. The driver is helped by a dynamic guidance line that shows the path of the trailer coupling for every steering angle.

This expanded system is based on the existing Speed Limit Assist system. The traffic signs are recognised optically by a camera system installed behind the windscreen.

The functionality of the system has been extended to include, apart from traffic signs as up to the present, "no overtaking" and "no entry" signs as well as the respective signs lifting the restrictions. The traffic signs detected are compared with the traffic signs stored in the system, and displayed if they coincide. Apart from a plausibility check against the signs stored in it, the system also makes use of data from the navigation system.