Driving and parking

ATTENTION ASSIST

~3min read

ATTENTION ASSIST in the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen., W212, 2009–2016) monitors driving behavior and detects signs of fatigue or inattention. The system issues timely warnings to encourage breaks and increase safety on long journeys. Information on how the system works helps you use it optimally.

General Notes

ATTENTION ASSIST supports you on long, monotonous journeys, e.g. on motorways and trunk roads. It is active in the speed range between 60 km/h and 200 km/h. If ATTENTION ASSIST has detected typical signs of driver fatigue or increasing inattention, it suggests taking a break.

Important Safety Notes

ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid. It may not always detect fatigue or increasing inattention in time, or may not detect it at all. The system cannot replace a rested and attentive driver.

ATTENTION ASSIST operates with limitations, and a warning is not issued or is delayed

  • when the driving time is less than approx. 30 minutes
  • on poor road surfaces, e.g. strong bumps, potholes
  • in strong crosswinds
  • with sporty driving style, such as high cornering speeds or strong acceleration
  • when you drive predominantly slower than 60 km/h or faster than 200 km/h
  • when you drive with the Steering Assist of DISTRONIC PLUS activated
  • when the time is set incorrectly
  • in active driving situations, e.g. when you change lanes or change your driving speed.
ATTENTION ASSIST is reset and starts evaluating your fatigue again when you continue driving if
  • you switch off the engine
  • you release the seat belt and open the driver's door, e.g. during a driver change or a break.

Displaying the Attention Level

You can display current status information in the Assistance menu of the on-board computer.

Select the ATTENTION ASSIST assistance graphic with the on-board computer. The following information is displayed:
  • Driving time since the last break
  • Attention level determined by ATTENTION ASSIST, shown as a bar display in five levels from high to low
  • If ATTENTION ASSIST cannot determine the attention level and no warning can be issued, the message System passive appears. The bar display then changes its appearance, e.g. when you drive slower than 60 km/h or faster than 200 km/h.

Switching on ATTENTION ASSIST

Switch on ATTENTION ASSIST with the on-board computer.
  • The system determines the driver's attention state depending on the selected setting:

    Standard selection: The sensitivity with which the system determines the attention state is set to normal.

    Sensitive selection: The sensitivity is set higher. The attention level determined by Attention Assist is adjusted accordingly and the driver is warned earlier.

    If ATTENTION ASSIST is switched off, the multifunction display shows the symbol in the assist graphic when the engine is runningand OFF.

    If ATTENTION ASSIST was switched off, it switches on again automatically after the engine is switched off. The selected sensitivity corresponds to the last activated selection (Standard/Sensitive).

    Warning in the multifunction display

    If fatigue or increasing inattention is detected, a warning appears in the multifunction display: Attention Assist Pause!

    In addition to the message in the multifunction display, you will then hear a warning tone.

    Take a break if necessary.

    Confirm the message by pressing thebutton on the steering wheel.

    On longer journeys, take regular breaks in good time to rest properly. If you do not take a break, you will be warned again after 15 minutes at the earliest. This requires that ATTENTION ASSIST continues to detect typical signs of fatigue or increasing inattention.

    ATTENTION ASSIST in the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) monitors the driver's attention and recommends a break when signs of fatigue are detected. This increases safety, especially on long journeys.

    Adaptive sensitivity ensures that the driver is warned in good time – a practical aid for greater safety on the road.

  • Test yourself

    A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.