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Armed with innovative airbags and crash-ready suspension, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class upper-large sedan might just be the safest series-production vehicle yet.
While the S-Class adopts a centre airbag to reduce head clashes between drivers and front passengers during side impacts, it’s a safety technology that’s been done before, albeit just recently.
What are more innovative, though, are the rear front airbags for the outboard seats in the S-Class, which join their rear side and curtain counterparts to provide second-row occupants with even more protection in an accident.
Even illuminated seatbelt buckles are on hand, so it’s no surprise Mercedes-Benz claims “the S-Class sets new standards for rear-seat occupant safety”.
Of course, the S-Class has even more innovation in store, with Pre-Safe Impulse Side using its E-Active Body Control hydraulic air suspension to raise its body by up to 80mm within a few tenths of a second prior to a side impact, which can be detected via radar sensors.
This action “reduces the loads on the door structures, as the door sill can absorb more of the load thanks to its higher position. As a result, deformation of the passenger cell and the loads acting on the occupants can be reduced,” according to Mercedes-Benz.
And if all of that isn’t enough, the S-Class features more advanced versions of autonomous emergency braking, steering assist, active blind-spot monitoring, exit warning, adaptive cruise control, park assist and surround-view cameras.
The S-Class will also get rear-axle steering for the first time, with its version turning the front and rear wheels in the opposite direction when travelling at 60km/h or less, but in the same orientation when going faster. This helps to reduce its turning circle by up to two metres.
As reported, the new BMW 7 Series rival is set to be revealed in September, with Australian deliveries likely to start next year.
