Subaru will offer a combination of active safety features typically found on expensive luxury cars on its upcoming 2013 Legacy and Outback models.

The system, called EyeSight, integrates several safety features into one unit, the company says. An auto-braking feature, first offered by Volvo on the 2009 XC60, can stop the car automatically at up to 19 mph if sensors detect an imminent crash. Lane departure warning and active cruise control, which can automatically "follow" cars by reducing and raising speed, are also included.

An additional industry first: The throttle can be disengaged, even when the pedal is applied, if the car detects an object in its path. Subaru says it could reduce parking-lot accidents if a driver shifts into drive instead of reverse.

Instead of relying on a radar-based system, Subaru uses two cameras mounted behind the windshield on either side of the rearview mirror. The pair of cameras can better detect depth, distance and motion than today's single-camera systems found on more expensive European cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Some Subarus sold in Japan already offer the feature.

We expect Mercedes, BMW and Audi to launch similar "stereo vision" cameras on their high-end sedans within the next year or two.

Subaru has not released pricing or trim availability. Currently, Subaru does not offer any active safety features on its models.

[Source: Subaru via PR Newswire]