1975 Cruise control in the S-Class Since December: All S-Class (W116 model series) passenger cars with automatic transmission can be equipped with an optional cruise control. Initially, this was predominantly a convenience feature as it made it easier to maintain a chosen or statutory speed. It was available in combination with automatic transmission and could be set to control speeds in excess of 40 km/h.
1982 Independent multi-link rear suspension A world first in the Mercedes-Benz compact class (W201 model series): This rear suspension technology owes its name to the five 3-dimensionally arranged bar links. As well as saving space and weight, this design stands out in particular by providing precise wheel location and good ride comfort.
1996 World first: vario roof Introduced in autumn 1996 with the SLK-Class. The compact Mercedes-Benz Roadster with its innovative vario roof was an instant hit with the public. A touch of a switch is all that is required to start the 25-second roof opening or closing process which can be reversed at any time and is automatically interrupted for safety reasons as soon as the switch is released.
1997 EASY-ENTRY Developed by Mercedes-Benz for its coupés, EASY-ENTRY uses a combination of electric motors, spring power and mechanical systems to move the front seats forwards and backwards to make accessing and exiting the rear seats as easy as possible.
1998 COMAND control and display system Just one of many new developments in the S-Class (W220 model series). Officially known as the "Cockpit Management and Data System", COMAND breaks new ground by replacing separate units for entertainment, information, communication and navigation with a single integrated system with a common user interface for all the different functions.
1999 Mercedes-Benz CL Coupé (C215 model series): The world's first series-production vehicle with the Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension system. The result of 20 years of research and development, this innovative system reconciles the conflicting demands of ride comfort and driving dynamics by automatically adjusting the suspension set-up in accordance with the current driving situation.
2002 Dynamic multicontour seat The optional dynamic multicontour seat (available only in combination with full electronic seat adjustment and memory) builds on the familiar multicontour seat with two additional functions: automatic dynamic adjustment of the lateral support provided by the backrest in accordance with the current driving situation and a massage function.
2002 Comprehensive load management with the EASY-PACK system for the E-Class Estate The range comprises the EASY-PACK tailgate, EASY-PACK front passenger backrest, EASY-PACK rear-seat backrests, EASY-PACK load-compartment floor, EASY-PACK load-compartment cover, EASY-PACK additional load-compartment floor with sub-partitions, EASY-PACK stowage box and the EASY-PACK load-securing kit.
2002 Four-zone THERMOTRONIC Optional luxury automatic climate control system newly developed for the E-Class. Features include independent temperature settings for all four zones; independent left/right air distribution settings in front and rear; rear control panel with display and left/right split temperature settings, dust and activated charcoal filter with air-quality sensor and automatic switchover to recirculation mode, four-quadrant solar sensor for automatic correction of interior temperature.
2004 EASY-VARIO-PLUS system This new, optional, system increases the interior flexibility of the 5-door A-Class. It allows both rear seat cushions to be removed (and stowed under the load compartment floor); furthermore, both rear backrests can be removed; the seat cushion bases can be folded away; the backrest of the front passenger seat can be folded forward; the front passenger seat can be completely removed.