Assistance systems - get there safely and feeling relaxed.

The standard-specification ATTENTION ASSIST system can - in particular on long or night journeys - increase driving safety and can help to avoid momentary nodding off. The system gives the driver visual and acoustic warnings if it detects typical signs of overtiredness or inattention, and urges the driver to take a break. Steering movements are analysed to evaluate driving style and an individual driver profile created.

A five-stage, colour bar chart visualises the degree of attention being shown by the driver and displays this in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster. If ATTENTION ASSIST ascertains that the level of attention is low, it displays the symbol of a cup of coffee to encourage the driver to take a break, and an acoustic signal is sounded. The system works at speeds between 60 and 200 km/h, can be set to display at a determined (in)attention level and can be switched off entirely.

Highbeam Assist recognises oncoming vehicles and lowers the main beam to low-beam level, so as not to dazzle other road users.

Highbeam Assist is part of the LED Intelligent Light System, which is a standard feature for the the V-Class and V-Class AVANTGARDE.

The optional LED Intelligent Light System has adaptive headlamps which automatically adapt to the driving situation. The system includes Highbeam Assist, which ensures oncoming vehicles are not dazzled, and the active light function, which swivels the headlamps towards the inside of a bend thereby providing significantly better illumination of the road.

The LED Intelligent Light System as a standard feature for the the V-Class and V-Class AVANTGARDE.

The Parking package with 360° camera gives extensive assistance to the driver when looking for a parking space, parking and manoeuvring with its Active Parking Assist and 360° camera functions. Active Parking Assist looks for suitable parking spaces and automatically steers the vehicle into parking spaces both parallel and at ninety degrees to the road. The 360° camera makes the area immediately surrounding the vehicle visible - both from a bird's-eye view and below the window line. It thereby helps to identify any obstacles when parking or manoeuvring.

The four cameras are located at the front in the radiator trim, on the sides in both exterior mirrors and at the rear in the handle strip of the tailgate. Their images are reproduced on the CENTRAL MEDIA DISPLAY.

The Parking package with 360° camera is available as an optional for the V-Class and as a standard feature for the the V-Class AVANTGARDE.

The Parking package assists the driver when looking for a parking space, parking and manoeuvring with its Active Parking Assist and reversing camera functions. Active Parking Assist looks for suitable parking spaces and automatically steers the vehicle into parking spaces both parallel and at ninety degrees to the road. When reverse gear is engaged, the reversing camera displays the area immediately behind the vehicle and helps to prevent damage being caused when manoeuvring.

The Parking package with reversing camera as a standard feature for the the V-Class.

The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system can identify potentially critical driving situations at an early stage and initiate protective measures for the occupants. The measures include reversible tightening of the driver's and front passenger's seat belts, closing open windows and roof systems and – in conjunction with electric seat adjustment – positioning the front passenger seat in a better position to cope with an accident.

The intelligent accident early-warning system in the PRE-SAFE® system works through the sensors present in the vehicle, e.g. the Electronic Stability Program ESP® or BAS PRO Brake Assist. The protective mechanisms of the PRE-SAFE® system are triggered by panic braking, in which the driver needs to brake harder than road conditions would normally allow, and by acute steering movements at high speeds.

The PRE-SAFE® system is optionally available for the V-Class and standard for the V-Class AVANTGARDE.In conjunction with the optional electric seat adjustment function, the scope of the system widens to include the positioning of the front passenger seat in a better position to cope with an accident.

The standard-specification Crosswind Assist assists the driver when there are unexpected, string gusts of wind, thereby increasing driving safety. It provides additional driving safety and takes the strain off the driver, in particular on bridges or when passing trucks and coaches and in strong gusts of wind.

If the ESP® sensors detect gusts of crosswind, the system brakes the wheels facing the wind. This reduces axle offset considerably. A control lamp in the instrument cluster informs the driver if Crosswind Assist is intervening.