The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is included in the standard equipment of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It can reduce the car's danger of skidding by instantly braking one or more wheels as required. If necessary, it also throttles back the engine torque.

Brake Assist (BAS) was developed in order to support the driver in an emergency braking situation. BAS applies the maximum braking force if the brake pedal is applied quickly but too hesitantly. This can significantly reduce stopping distances.
 

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system delivers intelligent braking. A microcomputer issues ultra-fast brake commands to improve deceleration and roadholding. The brake system is able to recognise emergency braking by the speed with which the driver applies the brake. It immediately boosts the pressure in the brake lines and moves the pads into surface contact with the brake discs to enable them to engage fully and firmly in less time as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.

When the driver now steps on the brake pedal, the system calculates the required braking force to apply to each wheel. In response to this, four wheel-pressure modulators transmit the requisite level of braking pressure to the brakes on each wheel.

The adaptive brake light system indicates to traffic following that emergency braking is taking place by flashing during braking and by activating the hazard warning lights when the vehicle has come to a standstill.

In the wet, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system dries the brake discs by briefly bringing the brake pads into contact with the brake discs so that the brake can operate faster and to full effect. If the system detects a critical handling situation, it will interact with ESP®, enabling it to brake one or more wheels. The braking system also supports the ABS and BAS functions.

 

At first glance they merely blaze with passion, but these elegant lighting units actually conceal highly intelligent technology. The lighting power of the headlamps has been improved by a new projection technology.

On request you can light up the road ahead with bi-xenon headlamps, which include the Active Light System and cornering lights (standard for the CLS 63 AMG, but without cornering function). Integrated into the front fog lamps, the cornering lights are automatically activated at speeds of up to 40 km/h when the vehicle lights are switched on, providing additional illumination when cornering or turning off.

The Active Light System ensures that the low-beam lights of the bi-xenon headlamps follow the steering movements, significantly improving illumination around bends. This gives drivers a better view of the curve and helps them to detect any obstacles earlier than was previously possible. When the vehicle is stationary, the LED technology of the bi-xenon headlamps ensures a good level of illumination from the parking lights.

The newly designed tail lights feature high-performance bulbs filled with xenon gas. These have a longer operating life than conventional bulbs and consume less electric power. The headlamps are covered by clear, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses which are lighter than glass and less vulnerable to stone impact.