2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS ESP

You should only use seat covers that have
been approved for the respective seat by
Mercedes-Benz.
Front side impact air bags C and rear side
impact air bags D deploy next to the outer bol-
ster of the seat backrest.
When deployed, the side impact air bag offers
additional thorax protection. However, it does
not protect the: R
head R
neck R
arms
In the event of a side impact, the side impact air
bag is deployed on the side on which the impact
occurs.
The side impact air bag on the front-passenger
side deploys under the following conditions: R
the OCS system detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied or R
the belt tongue is engaged in the belt buckle
of the front-passenger seat
If the belt tongue is engaged in the belt buckle,
the side impact air bag on the front-passenger
side deploys if an appropriate accident situation
occurs. In this case, deployment is independent
of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied
or not.
Pelvis air bags
G WARNING
Unsuitable seat covers can obstruct or pre-
vent deployment of the air bags integrated
into the seats. Consequently, the air bags
cannot protect vehicle occupants as they are
designed to do. In addition, the operation of
the occupant classification system (OCS) could be adversely affected. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
You should only use seat covers that have
been approved for the respective seat by
Mercedes-Benz.
Pelvis air bags C deploy below next to the outer
seat cushions.
When activated, the pelvis air bag enhances the
level of protection of the vehicle occupants on
the side of the vehicle on which the impact
occurs.
The pelvis air bag is deployed on the side of the
impact.
The pelvis air bag on the front-passenger side
does not deploy under the following conditions: R
the OCS detects that the front-passenger
seat is unoccupied or R
the belt tongue is not engaged in the belt
buckle of the front-passenger seat.
If the belt tongue is engaged in the belt buckle,
the pelvis air bag on the front-passenger side
deploys if an appropriate accident situation
occurs. In this case, deployment is independent
of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied
or not.48
Occupant safety
Safety

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp C
shows you whether the front-passenger front air
bag is deactivated. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock or on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
press the Start/Stop button once or twice.
The system carries out self-diagnostics.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must light up for approximately six seconds.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
then displays the status of the front-passenger
front air bag. If the status of the front-passenger
front air bag changes while the vehicle is in
motion, an air bag display message may appear
in the instrument cluster ( Y
page 210). When
the front-passenger seat is occupied, always
pay attention to the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp. Be aware of the status of the
front-passenger front air bag both before and
during the journey.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp: R
is lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated. It will then not be deployed in the
event of an accident. R
is not lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
enabled. If, in the event of an accident, all
deployment criteria are met, the front-
passenger front air bag is deployed.
G WARNING
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit, the front-passenger front air bag is
disabled. It will not be deployed in the event of
an accident and cannot perform its intended
protective function. A person in the front-
passenger seat could then, for example, come
into contact with the vehicle's interior, espe-
cially if the person is sitting too close to the
dashboard. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensure that: R
the classification of the person in the front-
passenger seat is correct and the front-
passenger front air bag is enabled or disa- bled in accordance with the person in the
front-passenger seat R
the front-passenger seat has been moved
back as far back as possible. R
the person is seated correctly.
Make sure, both before and during the jour-
ney, that the status of the front-passenger
front air bag is correct.
G WARNING
If you secure a child in a child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat and the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is
off, the front-passenger front air bag can
deploy in the event of an accident. The child
could be struck by the air bag. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Make sure that the front-passenger front air
bag has been disabled. The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit.
G WARNING
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and you position the front-passenger seat too
close to the dashboard, the child could, in the
event of an accident: R
come into contact with the vehicle's inte-
rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp is lit, for example R
be struck by the air bag if the PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off
This poses an increased risk of injury or even
fatal injury.
Move the front-passenger seat as far back as
possible. Always make sure that the shoulder
belt strap is correctly routed from the vehicle
belt sash guide to the shoulder belt guide on
the child restraint system. The shoulder belt
strap must be routed forwards and down-
wards from the vehicle belt sash guide. If nec-
essary, adjust the vehicle belt sash guide and
the front-passenger seat accordingly. Always
observe the child restraint system manufac-
turer's installation instructions.50
Occupant safety
Safety

That person could, for example, come into
contact with the vehicle's interior, especially
if the person is sitting too close to the dash-
board. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensure that: R
the classification of the person in the front-
passenger seat is correct and the front-
passenger front air bag is enabled or disa-
bled in accordance with the person in the
front-passenger seat R
the person is seated properly with a cor-
rectly fastened seatbelt R
the front-passenger seat has been moved
as far back as possible
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains lit when it should not, the front-
passenger seat may not be used. Do not
install a child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat. Have the Occupant Classifi-
cation System (OCS) checked and repaired
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop. G WARNING
Objects between the seat surface and the
child restraint system could affect OCS oper-
ation. This could result in the front-passenger
air bag not functioning as intended during an
accident. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Do not place any objects between the seat
surface and the child restraint system. The
entire base of the child restraint system must
always rest on the seat cushion of the front-
passenger seat. The backrest of the forward-
facing child restraint system must, as far as
possible, be resting on the backrest of the
front-passenger seat. Always comply with the
child restraint system manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions.
After the system self-test, the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp displays the status of
the front-passenger front air bag ( Y
page 49).
For more information about the OCS, see "Prob-
lems with the Occupant Classification System"
( Y
page 52).
Problems with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) Be sure to observe the notes on "System self-test" ( Y
page 51).52
Occupant safety
Safety

continue to perform their protective function for
the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.
G WARNING
Emergency Tensioning Devices that have
deployed pyrotechnically are no longer opera-
tional and are unable to perform their inten-
ded protective function. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have pyrotechnically triggered Emergency
Tensioning Devices replaced immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop.
An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE ®
to trig-
ger the tightening of the seat belt in hazardous
situations. This procedure is reversible.
If Emergency Tensioning Devices are triggered
or air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang,
and a small amount of powder may also be
released. The u restraint system warning
lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hear-
ing. The powder that is released generally does
not constitute a health hazard, but it may cause
short-term breathing difficulties in people with
asthma or other respiratory problems. Provided
it is safe to do so, you should leave the vehicle
immediately or open the window in order to pre-
vent breathing difficulties.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material,
which may require special handling and regard
for the environment. National guidelines must
be observed during disposal. In California, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
Method of operation During the first stage of a collision, the restraint
system control unit evaluates important physi-
cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, such as: R
duration R
direction R
intensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices during a frontal or
rear collision. An Emergency Tensioning Device can only be
triggered, if: R
the ignition is switched on R
the components of the restraint system are
operational. You can find further information
under: "Restraint system warning lamp"
( Y
page 42) R
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the respective front-passenger seat
The Emergency Tensioning Devices in the rear
compartment are triggered independently of the
lock status of the seat belts.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
more severe accident, further components of
the restraint system are activated independ-
ently of each other in certain frontal collision
situations: R
Front air bags and driver's knee bag R
Window curtain air bag, if the system deter-
mines that deployment can offer additional
protection to that provided by the seat belt
The front-passenger front air bag is activated or
deactivated depending on the person on the
front-passenger seat. The front-passenger front
air bag can only deploy in an accident if the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off.
Observe the information on the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indica tor lamp ( Y
page 42).
Your vehicle has two-stage front air bags. During
the first deployment stage, the front air bag is
filled with propellant gas to reduce the risk of
injuries. The front air bag is fully deployed with
the maximum amount of propellant gas if a sec-
ond deployment threshold is reached within a
few milliseconds.
The activation threshold of the Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices and the air bag are determined
by evaluating the rate of vehicle deceleration or
acceleration which occurs at various points in
the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in
nature. Deployment should take place in good
time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration
and the direction of the force are essentially
determined by: R
the distribution of forces during the collision R
the collision angle R
the deformation characteristics of the vehicle R
the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-54
Occupant safety
Safety

sive role in the deployment of an air bag. Nor do
they provide an indication of air bag deploy-
ment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably, with-
out an air bag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of deceleration is not
high. Conversely, air bags may be deployed even
though the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-
tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid
vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-
bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs
as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a side
impact or if the vehicle rolls over, the applicable
components of the restraint system are activa-
ted independently of each other depending on
the apparent type of accident. R
Side impact air bags and pelvis air bag on the
side the impact takes place, independently of
the Emergency Tensioning Device and the use
of the seat belt on the driver's seat and outer
seats in the second row -
the OCS system detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied or -
the belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle of the front-passenger seat R
Window curtain air bag on the side of impact,
independently of the use of the seat belt and
independently of whether the front-
passenger seat is occupied R
Emergency Tensioning Devices, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection in this situation R
Window curtain air bags on the driver's and
front-passenger side in certain situations
when the vehicle rolls over, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection to that provided by the seat
belt
i Not all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The different air bag systems work independ-
ently of each other.
How the air bag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration and the apparent type of accident: R
Frontal collision R
Side impact R
Rollover NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The function of the head restraint may be
impaired if you: R
attach objects such as coat hangers to the
head restraints, for example R
use head restraint covers
If you do so, the head restraints cannot fulfill
their intended protective function in the event
of an accident. In addition, objects attached
to the head restraints could endanger other
vehicle occupants. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Do not attach any objects to the head
restraints and do not use head restraint cov-
ers.
Method of operation NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury
head restraints offer additional protection
against head and neck injuries. In the event of a
rear collision of a certain severity, the NECK-
PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints on the driver's and front-passenger
seats are moved forwards and upwards. This
provides better head support.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints have been triggered in an
accident, reset the NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints on the driver's
seat and the front-passenger seat
( Y
page 56). Otherwise, the additional protec-
tion will not be available in the event of another
rear-end collision. You can see that a NECK-PRO
head restraint/NECK-PRO luxury head restraint
has been triggered if it is tilted forward and can
no longer be adjusted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the
functionality of the NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints checked at a
qualified specialist workshop after a rear-end
collision.Occupant safety 55
Safety Z

Replac e child restrain t systems whic h hav e
been damaged or subjecte d to a load in an
acciden t as soo n as possible. Hav e th e secur-
ing systems on th e child restrain t system
checke d at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you instal l a child restrain t system
again .
The securin g systems of child restrain t systems
are: R
th e seat belt systemR
th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g ringsR
th e Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessar y to carry a child on
th e front-passenger seat , be sur e to observ e th e
information on th e "Occupant Classification
Syste m (OCS)" ( Y
page 49). There you will also
fin d information on deactivating th e front-
passenger fron t air bag.
All child restrain t systems mus t mee t th e fol -
lowin g standards :R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicl e Safet y Standards
21 3 and 22 5R
Canadian Motor Vehicl e Safet y Standards
21 3 and 210. 2
Confirmation that th e child restrain t system cor-
responds to th e standards can be foun d on an
instruction label on th e child restrain t system.
This confirmation can also be foun d in th e instal -
lation instruction s that are included wit h th e
child restrain t system.
Observ e th e warning labels in th e vehicl e inte-
rio r and on th e ch ild re strain t s
ystem.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNIN G
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t systems
do no t offer sufficien t protective effec t for
children whos e weigh t is greate r than 48 lbs
(22 kg ) who are secured usin g th e safet y belt
integrate d in th e child restrain t system. In th e
event of an accident, a child might no t be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
ris k of injury or eve n fatal injury.
If th e child weigh s mor e than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t systems wit h whic h th e child is also secured
wit h th e vehicl e seat belt . Als o secure th e
child restrain t system wit h th e Top Tether
belt , if available.
Always comply wit h th e manufacturer' s instal -
lation and operating instruction s for th e child
restrain t system used .
Before every trip, mak e sur e that th e LATCH -
typ e (ISOFIX) child restrain t system is engage d
correctl y in bot h LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings
When installin g th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restrain t system, fol d protective cap s D of
securin g rings C inwards .X
Install th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t
system on bot h LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings C .
ISOFIX is a standardize d securin g system for
specially designed child restrain t systems on
th e rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t
systems are installed on th e lef t and right of th e
rear seats.
Non-LATCH-typ e (ISOFIX) child seat s may also
be used and can be installed usin g th e vehicle's
seat belt system. Install th e child seat according
to th e manufacturer' s instructions.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether provide s an additional connection
between th e child restrain t system secured wit h
a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) system and th e vehicle.
This help s reduce th e ris k of injury eve n further.
If th e child restrain t system is equipped wit h a
Top Tether belt , this should always be used .60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Drivin g safet y systems
Overview of drivin g safet y systemsIn this section , you will fin d information about
th e followin g drivin g safet y systems :R
AB S ( A n ti-loc k B rakin g S ystem)
( Y
page 64)R
BA S ( B rak e A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 65)R
BA S PLU S ( B rake A s sis t S ystem PLUS) wit h
Cross-Traffic Assis t ( Y
page 65)R
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S
( Y
page 67 )R
ES P ®
( E lectronic S t ability P r ogram)
( Y
page 69)R
EB D ( E lectroni c B rak e forc e D istribution )
( Y
page 72 )R
ADAPTIV E BRAKE ( Y
page 72 )R
PRE-SAF E ®
Brak e ( Y
page 72 )
Important safet y notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style or if you are
inattentive , th e drivin g safet y systems can nei-
ther reduce th e ris k of an acciden t no r override
th e laws of physics. Driving safet y systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible fo r maintainin g th e distanc e to th e
vehicle in front, fo r vehicle speed, fo r braking in
goo d time, and fo r stayin g in lane. Always adapt
your drivin g style to suit th e prevailin g road and
weather condition s and maintain a saf e distanc e
from th e vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The drivin g safet y systems described only wor k
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quat e contact between th e tires and th e road
surface. Pay particular attention to th e informa-
tion regardin g tires , recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in th e "Wheels and tires "
section ( Y
page 292).
In wintr y drivin g conditions, always use winte r
tires (M+ S tires )a nd if necessary, snow chains.
Only in this way will the driving safety systems
described in this section work as effectively as
possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking.
The % ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions.
ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 64).
G WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y
page 229) and dis-
play messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y
page 204).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over. X
To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while driving.64
Driving safety systems
Safety

BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 64).
G WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking X
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) with
Cross-Traffic Assist
General information BAS PLUS can help you to minimize the risk of a
collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian and
reduce the effects of such a collision. If BAS
PLUS detects a danger of collision, you are
assisted when braking.
i Pay attention to the important safety notes
in the "Driving safety systems" section
( Y
page 64).
BAS PLUS is only available on vehicles with the
Driving Assistance package.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system and the camera system
must be operational. With the help of a sensor system and a camera
system, BAS PLUS can detect obstacles: R
that are in the path of your vehicle for an
extended period of time R
that cross the path of your vehicle
In addition, pedestrians in the path of your vehi-
cle can be detected.
BAS PLUS detects pedestrians by using typical
characteristics such as the body contours and
posture of a person standing upright.
If the radar sensor system or the camera system
is malfunctioning, BAS PLUS functions are
restricted or no longer available. The brake sys-
tem is still available with complete brake boost-
ing effect and BAS.
i Observe the restrictions described in the
"Important safety notes" section
( Y
page 65).
Important safety notes
G WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, BAS PLUS may: R
intervene unnecessarily R
not intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
G WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify peo-
ple, this is especially the case if they are mov-
ing. BAS PLUS cannot intervene in these
cases. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
G WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react: R
to small people, e.g. children R
to animals R
to oncoming vehicles R
when corneringDriving safety systems 65
Safety Z