The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system delivers intelligent braking. A microcomputer issues ultra-fast brake commands to improve deceleration and roadholding. The brake system is able to recognise emergency braking by the speed with which the driver applies the brake. It immediately boosts the pressure in the brake lines and moves the pads into surface contact with the brake discs to enable them to engage fully and firmly in less time as soon as the brake pedal is depressed. When the driver now steps on the brake pedal, the system calculates the required braking force to apply to each wheel. In response to this, four wheel-pressure modulators transmit the requisite level of braking pressure to the brakes on each wheel. The adaptive brake light system indicates to traffic following that emergency braking is taking place by flashing during braking and by activating the hazard warning lights when the vehicle has come to a standstill.
In the wet, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system dries the brake discs by briefly bringing the brake pads into contact with the brake discs so that the brake can operate faster and to full effect. If the system detects a critical handling situation, it will interact with ESP®, enabling it to brake one or more wheels. The braking system also supports the ABS and BAS functions.