Originally Posted by Ferdman

Textar brake pads are softer and perform more efficiently than the harder, ceramic Akebono brake pads. Softer brake pads produce more friction, therefore the car stops faster with the same brake pedal force. MB automobile braking systems are designed with soft brake pads so the braking system functions even if the power assist is unavailable ... for instance, if the engine stalls.

Many owners install Akebono ceramic brake pads to reduce brake pad dust, but reduced braking efficiency occurs also. If there was a suitable alternative to the soft OEM brake pads surely the MB design engineers would specify those instead.