BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System PLUS) with Cross-Traffic Assist

When it comes to safety at intersections or in busy traffic situations, the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) with BAS PLUS demonstrates what technical progress can achieve. This article provides an in-depth look at the system's ability to recognize hazards and precisely support braking. An assistant that makes the difference in critical seconds.

General Information

Info

Observe the section "Important safety notes".

BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles with the Driver Assistance Package.

For BAS PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system and the camera system must be functioning.

BAS PLUS can detect obstacles using the radar sensor system and the camera system,

• that remain in your path for a longer period of time
• that cross your path.

In addition, pedestrians standing in your path can be detected.

BAS PLUS recognizes pedestrians by typical features, such as the body contour and posture of an upright person.

If the radar sensor system or the camera system is malfunctioning, BAS PLUS is not available or only available to a limited extent. The brake system continues to be available with full brake boost and BAS.

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Observe the limitations described in the section "Important safety notes".

BAS PLUS can help minimize the risk of a collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian and reduce the consequences of an accident. If BAS PLUS detects a risk of collision, it assists you while braking.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations.

In these cases, BAS PLUS may

• intervene unnecessarily
• not intervene.

There is a risk of accidents!

Always watch the traffic situation carefully and be ready to brake. End the intervention in non-critical driving situations.

WARNING

BAS PLUS does not respond

• to small persons, e.g. children
• to animals
• to oncoming vehicles
• in curves

As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in all critical situations. There is a risk of accidents!

Always watch the traffic situation carefully and be ready to brake.

Detection may be limited in snowfall or heavy rain.

Detection by the radar sensor system is also limited in the following cases:

• dirty or covered sensors
• interference from other radar sources
• strong radar reflections, e.g. in parking garages
• narrow vehicles ahead, e.g. motorcycles
• vehicles ahead that are offset from the center of your vehicle
• vehicles that move quickly into the detection range of the radar sensor system.

Detection by the camera system is also limited

• with dirty or covered cameras
• when the camera system is dazzled, e.g. by a low sun
• in darkness
• when
  • pedestrians move quickly, e.g. step into the path of the vehicle
  • a pedestrian cannot be recognized as a person by the camera system because of special clothing or other objects
  • a pedestrian is obscured by other objects
  • the typical outline of a pedestrian does not stand out from the background.

After damage to the front of the vehicle, have the adjustment and function of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to low-speed collisions in which no damage to the front of the vehicle is visible.

After damage to the windshield, have the adjustment and function of the camera system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Function

To avoid a collision, BAS PLUS calculates the required brake pressure if

• you are approaching an obstacle, and
• BAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision.

At speeds below 30 km/h: When you press the brake pedal, BAS PLUS is activated. Brake assistance from BAS PLUS is provided at the last possible moment.

At speeds above 30 km/h: When you press the brake pedal firmly, BAS PLUS automatically increases the brake pressure to a value adapted to the traffic situation.

BAS PLUS assists you when braking in a hazardous situation involving vehicles ahead, in the speed range between 7 km/h and 250 km/h.

Up to a driving speed of approx. 70 km/h, BAS PLUS can respond to:

• stationary obstacles in the path of travel, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles
• pedestrians standing in the path of travel
• crossing obstacles that move within the detection range of the sensors and are detected by them

Info

If BAS PLUS requests a particularly high brake pressure, preventive occupant protection measures (PRE-SAFE) are triggered at the same time.

Keep pressing the brake pedal until the emergency braking situation is over.

ABS prevents the wheels from locking. BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes operate as usual again when

• you release the brake pedal
• there is no risk of collision
• no obstacle is detected in your path of travel
• you press the accelerator pedal
• you activate kickdown.

BAS PLUS with Crossing Assist in the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) represents a significant expansion of the safety concept. The system detects vehicles and pedestrians in the path of travel and supports you with targeted brake pressure to avoid accidents or reduce their consequences.

Thanks to the combination of radar sensors and camera, a precise assessment of the situation is possible. This makes the E-Class W212 a pioneer in active safety at intersections and in urban traffic.

Question: What advantages does BAS PLUS offer in the E-Class W212?

Answer: It supports the driver with adapted brake pressure in critical situations and can thus help avoid accidents or reduce their consequences.

Question: Are there any limitations to the function of BAS PLUS?

Answer: Yes, in bad weather, with dirty sensors or in complex situations, the function may be limited.