Fast, reliable drive programme change and comfortable operation of the different function buttons: the AMG DRIVE UNIT, angled towards the driver, forms the central control console for the sports transmission as well as all driving dynamics functions.

The drive mode, ESP® and suspension settings can all be programmed by means of a rotary switch and 3 buttons. The driver can easily and swiftly change the drive mode between "P", "R", "N" and "D" by tapping the E-SELECT selector lever. If the vehicle is stationary, the parking position can be activated by simply pressing the "P" button. The rotary control switch for drive modes, including the Race Start function, and the buttons for engine start, ESP® functions and the AMG memory function are also located there.

The Race Start function allows the driver to call up the maximum acceleration potential with optimum traction for the drive wheels. The optimum starting off rev speed is adjusted fully automatically so that the vehicle can accelerate with the greatest speed – if so desired to the vehicle’s top speed. The driver does not need to shift gears manually, the AMG transmission changes gear with short shift times.

The driver can easily and swiftly change the drive mode between "P", "R", "N" and "D" by tapping the E-SELECT selector lever. If the vehicle is stationary, the parking position can be activated by simply pressing the "P" button – this mode is also automatically activated by stopping the engine.

The AMG high-performance composite brake system offers excellent deceleration values with its all-round internally ventilated, grooved and perforated composite-technology brake discs.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with its adaptive adjustable electronic damping system offers three settings at the touch of a button. The driver can choose between "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus", adapting the damping characteristics to the driving situation – from comfortable cruising to sporty and agile driving.

In Comfort mode the hydraulic forces of the shock absorbers are reduced for more comfort-oriented damping of body movements.In Sport mode the hydraulic forces of the shock absorbers are increased for a more sporty setup, better road contact and improved control of body roll and pitching. In Sport Plus mode there is a further upward adjustment of damping forces to meet the requirements of dynamic driving on predominantly level stretches of road.

The advantages of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension at a glance:

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses through its great diversity and efficiency. With AMG aluminium steering wheel gearshift paddles, four driving programmes and the Race-Start function, the 7-speed automatic transmission makes for enhanced driving dynamics and greater efficiency.

The "C" (Comfort), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus) and "M" (Manual) modes each have different gear-change characteristics and speeds:

Gear changes in "S" and "S+" modes are around 20 or 40 percent swifter than in "C" mode respectively – while in "M" mode gear changes take just 100 milliseconds, making them some 50 percent faster. Transmission mode 'C' supports consumption-optimised drivingA push of a button activates the desired driving mode: distinctly sporty or more comfort-oriented.

There is the automatic double-declutching function when downshifting, which provides an emotional sound experience as well as reducing power-off effects. This function has a positive effect when braking on the approach to bends in particular.

The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering complements the suspension by applying steering movements to the road more directly. It comprises rack-and-pinion steering gear and speed-sensitive power steering. These technical features make precise steering characteristics possible – even at high speeds – and permit sporty driving thanks to a more direct steering response.

The consumption and efficiency-optimised 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission is the highlight of Mercedes-Benz's transmission technology. Lower fuel consumption and virtually imperceptible gearshifts make for comfortable travel, not just on long journeys.

The diesel particulate filter can filter more than 99 percent of solid matter particles in relation to the particulate matter from the exhaust gas. Filter regeneration is initiated by the electronic engine management and controlled by the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gas at the filter.

The separated soot particles on the filter duct walls are burned off at exhaust gas temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius. Filter regeneration is initiated by an increase in the exhaust gas temperature and goes unnoticed by the vehicle occupants and other road users.

The DIRECT CONTROL suspension, adjusted for optimum comfort, guarantees top-level comfort on long journeys as standard for the 4- and 6-cylinder models. The suspension with selective damping system combines agility with ride comfort.

The vibration dampers adapt automatically in line with the current driving situation, thus enhancing both damping and the car’s stability – even on poor road surfaces. The DIRECT CONTROL suspension can also be optionally configured for out-and-out sports performance.

More dynamic driving through manual selection of the gears and comfortable selection of the shift mode on the steering wheel itself: The DIRECT SELECT gearshift system includes the DIRECT SELECT lever on the steering column, with which it is possible to change between the shift modes "P", "R", "N" and "D". In addition to this, the shift range can be selected manually via the DIRECT SELECT shift paddles.

The Direct-Steer system adds to the comfort of speed-sensitive power steering. It features a variable steering ratio aligned with the steering wheel angle. The vehicle's response to a steering lock becomes more agile and steering requirements are reduced.

It consists of two components: the speed-dependent power steering, well known from the speed-sensitive steering system, is complemented by a variable ratio dependent on the steering angle. The Direct-Steer system helps to ensure greater motoring pleasure when negotiating tight bends, as well as making parking and manoeuvring simpler, while also increasing straight-line stability at high speeds.

For this it features high-level power steering support and a gear rack with variable gearing. In the central regions the gears are more closely spaced than in the outer ones, so that the steering ratio varies with the steering angle.

The indirect ratio in the central area supports a stable straight-line stability at high speeds: already at a steering angle of around 5 degrees the ratio increases so that the steering reacts perceptibly more directly. In consequence the steering wheel turns from lock to lock are reduced by about 25 percent.

The ECO start/stop function reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill (for example when in a traffic jam or at traffic lights). Vehicles equipped with the ECO start/stop function possess a starter/generator in place of the starter.

Intelligent control electronics allow the starter/generator to supply the electrical energy for the vehicle's electrical system and, in starter mode, the torque required to start the engine.

The ECO start/stop function can be deactivated manually using a switch and is switched off automatically when certain criteria are not fulfilled, such as for instance engine temperature, outside temperature, climate control in load operation (networked with climate control system).

The three-stage ESP® system aligns the suspension setting with driving style; it can reduce the danger of skidding and increase driving safety. Three control strategies are available at the push of a button. With the ESP® switch the driver can simply select from "ESP® ON", "ESP® Sport Handling Mode" and "ESP® OFF" modes.

The system permanently compares current driving conditions with the driver's input. If the system identifies discrepancies, it applies braking to individual wheels in order to align driver requirements with driver input and to prevent skidding. The factors steering angle, climb angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate are taken into account.

Driving modes at a glance:

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves ride comfort and safety by helping to perform critical braking manoeuvres with the basic function of the ABS anti-lock braking system while convenience functions make it easier to master challenging driving situations.

Improved perceptual safety and reduced reaction times for drivers in following cars: the adaptive brake lights can make a significant contribution to preventing rear-end collisions by displaying emergency braking signs to vehicles.

If the driver brakes or makes an emergency stop from a speed greater than 50 km/h, the brake lights flash in order to warn traffic behind.

And if the vehicle comes to a stop from a speed greater than 70 km/h, the hazard warning lamps are switched on automatically. During emergency braking the adaptive brake light warns following traffic of the danger via a flashing brake light.

The airbags for the driver and front passenger provide protection for the head and torso in a rear-end collision, and also afford additional stability to the entire body. They are thus able to mitigate the potential severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a collision of a certain strength, the airbags are deployed.

The gas generators of both airbags can be activated in two stages. Both stages are activated depending on the braking force applied. Depending on the predicted severity of the impact, the first stage of the gas generator is initially activated and the airbag only partially filled. If a higher severity of impact is predicted, the second stage of the gas generator is activated after a slight delay and the airbag is completely filled.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) enhances driving safety, especially when braking for hazards. During hard braking the anti-lock braking system reduces wheel lock-up by modulating the braking pressure of the individual wheels. This ensures that the vehicle remains directionally stable and steerable while maintaining maximum braking power. In other words: ABS allows the driver to brake and steer simultaneously – allowing precise evasive manoeuvring – in order to avoid an accident.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) ensures that the wheels do not spin when accelerating. Especially when moving off on snow, ice and loose chippings, the acceleration skid control prevents individual wheels from spinning and the vehicle from sliding out to the side.

The system uses speed sensors to monitor the slip characteristics of the wheels. If the system senses a wheel is starting to spin, the acceleration skid control corrects the wheel speed by braking and intervening in the engine management system, thus reducing the wheel slip and wheel spin.

The ATTENTION ASSIST function is particularly helpful on long journeys and when driving at night; the system warns the driver if it detects signs of failing attention and weariness.

At speeds of between 80 and 180 km/h, ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver visually and audibly as soon as it detects any signs of drowsiness or inattention.The background: Sensors analyse driving behaviour to detect any changes compared with the previously determined individual driver profile.

Brake Assist (BAS) can protect against the risk of accidents. The system can recognise emergency braking from the speed at which the braking pedal is depressed and can automatically supply full braking power.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) then meters the braking power up to the slip threshold, which is how steering control is maintained. Once the driver releases the brake pedal, automatic brake boosting is immediately terminated.

In critical situations, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can help to stabilise the vehicle by applying a braking force to individual wheels and adjusting engine output. If ESP® detects a critical handling situation, brake pressure can be applied to one or more wheels as required.

Should the system consider it necessary, it will also make an automatic adjustment to engine torque. In this way ESP® helps the driver to stabilise the vehicle (within the laws of physics) – particularly when cornering and during sudden evasive manoeuvres.

Incident light causes the rear-view mirror to dim automatically, so that the driver is less dazzled by the light from headlamps. Sensors measure the light intensity on the mirror and compare this with that of ambient light. If a large difference is determined, the mirror is automatically dimmed.

The ISOFIX child seat attachment system is a quick, convenient, vehicle-independent system conforming to ISO standards. It allows quick and easy child seat attachment in the vehicle rear. Its fixed anchorage points ensure a high degree of protection in the event of an accident.

A special ISOFIX child seat engages in the attachment points housed in the lower area of the backrest. This creates a rigid connection with the vehicle structure, ensuring that seat movements caused by slack or incorrectly fitted seat belts can be avoided. TopTether is an additional safeguard attached behind the rear head restraints. It further reduces the risk of the child seat tilting forwards in the event of a crash.

The childproof locks can be used to prevent the doors and windows from being opened in the rear. They are set manually for the rear doors and electrically for the power windows.

The kneebag on the driver’s side helps to protect the legs in the event of a frontal impact and stabilises the entire body. It can help mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. The kneebag is deployed if the crash sensors detect a specific impact strength and direction.

The headlamp beam control adjusts the light cones of the headlamps to the vehicle’s pitch (pitch angle). In this way the lighting of the road ahead is always optimal for the driver, and oncoming road users and vehicles travelling ahead are not dazzled.

Activated in the event of a relevant rear-end collision, NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger can reduce the risk of sustaining a whiplash injury.

If a collision occurs, they ensure that the head receives support and the load on the spine is reduced at an earlier stage by employing a spring mechanism to move the head restraints forwards and upwards. The restraints can be manually returned to the original position after activation.

The pelvisbags for the driver and front passenger provide protection for the hips and pelvic region in the event of a side-on collision. They can mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. The pelvisbag is deployed if the crash sensors detect a side collision.

The pelvisbag is deployed in the space between the front-seat occupants' pelvic region and the door panelling. The pelvisbag then braces itself against the impact area, pushing the occupant's pelvic region away from the door panelling at a very early stage of the collision.

The preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system can recognise critical driving situations and, if necessary, pre-emptively activate reversible safety systems to help reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

This is based on PRE-SAFE® continuously evaluating sensor data from systems such as ESP® and BAS and identifying driving situations such as oversteer/understeer and emergency stops.

If the system identifies a typical critical driving situation, the motor-driven belt tensioners can be activated, the electrically adjustable front-passenger seat (only in conjunction with the Memory package) moved to a better position for impact, and the side windows and sliding sunroof (optional) automatically closed – all within fractions of a second.

The tyre pressure loss warning system helps to prevent accidents by alerting the driver to a dangerous drop in pressure in individual tyres. The system monitors the rotational speed of individual wheels and can identify significant losses in pressure according to speed changes. The warning is issued via a display in the instrument cluster.

The ASSYST PLUS service interval display informs the driver about the next maintenance date due. If a maintenance date passes unheeded, an acoustic is emitted as a reminder.

The sidebags for driver and front passenger help to protect the body in the event of a side impact. They stabilise the upper body and can help to reduce the severity of injuries.

They are triggered if the crash sensors register acceleration or deceleration forces acting on the vehicle in excess of a specific threshold. The sidebags deploy at chest height between the side of the vehicle and the occupant.

The TIREFIT tyre sealant enables the vehicle to continue driving after suffering a puncture. The sealant is pumped into the flat tyres using an electric air pump, seals holes in the tyres and allows the vehicle to continue on its way to the nearest workshop.

In the event of a severe side impact (and other accidents with comparable lateral dynamics), the windowbag deploys to cover the side windows and reduce the risk of a collision between the passenger's head and the side of the vehicle or objects penetrating the vehicle interior.

When deployed, the windowbag spreads across the side windows between the A-pillar and C-pillar. The windowbag covers a large part of the surface area at the side.

The windowbag offers the following advantages:

The Audio 20 CD system provides entertainment and can be optionally equipped with the Becker® MAP PILOT navigation system and an integrated CD changer for 6 discs.

Key features at a glance:

The AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes provides that typically sonorous AMG sound.

The exterior mirrors can be adjusted electrically from the driver’s seat, from where the heating can also be switched on.They are controlled with the switches on the driver’s armrestWith these buttons the inclination and the folding function can be triggered. The aspherically curved glass reduces the blind spot, providing enhanced active safety The mirror folding function makes parking and driving in tight places easier

The bi-xenon headlamps provide greater brightness, a larger range of light and wider illumination of the road surface than conventional headlamps. When the vehicle drives into a turn the system also activates a fog lamp, providing significantly better illumination for the area to the sides of the vehicle and improving safety.

The integrated headlamp cleaning system is a simple and effective means of keeping the headlamps clean. Dynamic sensor-controlled headlamp range adjustment automatically compensates for any vehicle position changes caused by braking, accelerating, and vehicle load, avoiding the danger of dazzling oncoming drivers.

The chrome-look electronic key with AMG emblem is a further individualisation feature for the AMG vehicle. The sophisticated interplay of satin and high-gloss finish is handcrafted by experienced master engravers in Germany .

Apart from the standard Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star, the key features the exclusive AMG emblem embossed in solid 999 pure silver. In order for the silver to retain its valuable sheen permanently, after its manufacture the medallion is rhodium-plated ‒ like the finest jewels.

Relaxed driving at all times is guaranteed even in poor weather conditions by the windscreen wipers with rain sensor which eliminate manual control of the wiping interval. The system also ensures that the wiping process is not activated too early by individual drops of moisture.

The electronically controlled rain sensor detects automatically if the windscreen is wet and controls the wipe interval accordingly when the driver activates the intermittent wiper control function. The sensor is located behind the rear-view mirror on the inside of the windscreen and emits infrared light towards the windscreen pane at a certain angle; the light is reflected differently according to how wet the windscreen is.

The amount of reflected light captured by the sensors controls the wiper cycle from single wipe to continuous wipe. In order to prevent the formation of ice and condensation the measurement sector is heated.

The regular automatic cleaning of the headlamps ensures that other road users can still spot the vehicle easily even under extreme weather conditions, it saves tiresome stops to clean the headlamps. The system ensures constant good illumination of the road surface under all weather conditions.

Extendable high-pressure nozzles allow the headlamps to be cleaned while the car is in motion. There is a telescopic arm with an integrated high-pressure nozzle for each headlamp. The headlamps are cleaned if the lights and the ignition are switched on and the windscreen washer system has been operated 5 times.

The daytime running lamps improve the visibility of the vehicle and can thus enhance safety. The system enables the vehicle to be clearly visible from afar, even in broad daylight. It is integrated in the front bumper beneath the headlamps.

The AMG instrument cluster underlines the sporty look of the interior and enhances the authentic motorsport feeling. The central display with AMG menu, including RACETIMER and 320 km/h scale, delivers motorsport-relevant data such as oil and coolant temperatures.

The AMG sports seats offer superior lateral support thanks to the contouring of the side bolsters for the seat cushion and backrest, while their design lends the vehicle interior a sporty, independent character.

The EASY-PACK tailgate makes loading easier and enables comfortable access to the luggage compartment.

If the vehicle is to be loaded from the rear, the EASY-PACK tailgate can be opened automatically with the vehicle key or by pressing the handle. The closing procedure is likewise initiated with the electronic vehicle key or by pressing on the respective button on the inside of the tailgate, which can then be halted at any given position, for instance, in order to avoid making contact with a low garage roof. If an obstruction hinders the closing procedure, this is immediately halted automatically.

The EASY-PACK quickfold rear seat backrests make possible an individual extension of the load capacity by folding down the backrestsThe rear seat is split 1/3 : 2/3, and each section can be folded down separately.

Thus, folding down the seat cushions and backrests offers an individual extension of the loading capacity. It is not necessary to remove the head restraints before folding down the backrests. The backrests are released via release handles accessed from the luggage compartment. The load-securing rings in the luggage compartment are particularly suitable for transporting items when the rear bench seat is folded down.

With their integrated reverse function, the power windows can ensure a lower risk of injury and material damage when closing the windows. The system is equipped with a one-touch operation function for the opening and closing of the windows.

With the buttons in the driver's door control cluster it is possible to operate all the power windows. In addition to this, all the windows can be operated by means of the buttons on each corresponding door. The automatic reverse function, the power windows ensures a lower risk of injury and material damage when closing the windows.

The heated rear window ensures clear visibility at the rear by preventing the window from icing or misting up due to moisture. The timer adjusts the operating time of the heating in line with the outside temperature and road speed.

THERMATIC automatic climate control delivers individual temperatures and a pleasant climate in the vehicle interior.

The desired temperature and air distribution can be separately regulated for the two zones for the left and right-hand sides of the interior. In addition, a special filter ensures optimum air quality by absorbing dust particles from the outside air.

The luggage compartment cover protects the compartment from indiscreet gazes. It consists of a roller cover located behind the rear seat row, and can be removed at any time.

Relaxed, fatigue-free driving, enhanced ride comfort and easier, more fuel-efficient driving are made possible by the cruise control function, which allows the driver to fix a cruising speed for the vehicle. The integrated variable speed limiter (SPEEDTRONIC) enables the driver to set a desired maximum speed, for example when a speed limit is in force or in 30 km/h speed-limit zones.

Using the control lever, the individual speed limit is set between 30 km/h and the vehicle’s top speed in increments of 10 and 1 km/h, and displayed in the instrument cluster. If the preset limit is exceeded, e.g. on downhill stretches, the system automatically shifts down a gear (vehicles with automatic transmission) and the brakes are applied to a certain degree. However, if the braking effect is not sufficient, a warning tone alerts the driver to apply the service brake, too, in order to observe the desired speed limit.

The variable speed limiter function is an additional function to the familiar cruise-control functions, and can be activated via a modified cruise-control lever. A yellow LED on the switch and a display in the instrument cluster indicate that the cruise-control mode is off and the speed limiting mode is on. The speed limiter function is switched off by returning the lever to cruise-control mode, by flicking it to the "OFF" position or by kickdown.

The fully-electric front seats allow the seating position to be set conveniently to the requirements of the driver and/or front passenger by means of a control panel in the driver and front passenger door.
The driver's seat is additionally equipped with a 2-way manual lumbar support.