The active safety systems include the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Brake Assist (BAS). Together they help you to master critical driving situations.

If your car is in danger of skidding, ESP® selectively brakes individual wheels and adjusts the engine output as required. ABS ensures that the vehicle remains steerable during emergency braking. The speed with which you step on the brake pedal allows BAS to detect whether or not an emergency braking manoeuvre is taking place. If so, BAS builds up maximum brake pressure in a split-second, helping to reduce the braking distance. In spite of the automatic full brake application, the wheels do not lock, because the ABS anti-lock braking system meters the braking power precisely so that the vehicle remains steerable. The adaptive brake light enhances safety: in the event of an emergency braking manoeuvre at a speed of more than 50 km/h, the brake lights flash several times a second to warn following traffic. If the A-Class is brought to a complete standstill from a speed greater than 70 km/h, the hazard warning lamps switch on automatically afterwards.