In case you didn't know, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a rather special car with its history pockmarked by automotive industry firsts, be it local to Europe or globally. The S-Class derives its name from the word Sonderklasse, which means 'Special Class'. That alone should tell you that it has always been the first vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup to get the royal treatment and all the fancy gadgets.
On the safety front, the S-Class has pioneered the use of standard fitment traction control, airbags, anti-lock brakes and seatbelt pre-tensioners. The work on safety cell construction and collapsible steering columns, as well as brake assist and automatic fuel shut-off, have become staples of virtually every car on the road these days.
Related: What is cruise control with brake function?
The current W222 (and derivatives thereof) is no different and in the latest S-Class you will find a host of safety systems and features that are often not available elsewhere.
Here's our list of the top 5 safety features available on the current S-Class.
1. Pre-Safe Impulse
Taking seatbelt tensioning to the next level, Pre-Safe Impulse can tension the seatbelts before impact and then release tension again at the point of highest load. This helps reduce the forces that act on the driver and passenger in the event of a head-on collision, reducing the likelihood of injury.
2. Beltbag
This optional extra caters for the passengers in the rear of the vehicle. In the event of a particularly heavy front collision, the outer rear seatbelts will inflate and widen to increase their effective contact area. This system offers three times the protection to the chest and shoulder area and reduces the forces exerted on rear occupant's torsos.
Related: How do airbags work?
3. Night View Assist Plus
Another optional extra, Night View Assist Plus takes night vision to the next level by not only providing a clearer view of the area ahead of the car but detecting and highlighting pedestrians and large animals in the display. This allows for more reaction time in poor lighting conditions.
4. Active Brake Assist
The Active Brake Assist system is a standard fitment on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and provides additional peace of mind when backing out of a parking bay, entering an intersection, or when driving on the road. Sensors will monitor cross-traffic and apply the brakes if it detects an approaching car or pedestrian. On the road, it has the ability to amplify the braking force in an emergency situation and even apply the brakes if it feels you are approaching slow-moving or stationary traffic too fast.
Related: How does brake assist work?
5. Driving Assistance package
We could have split the Driving Assistance Package into its' individual components, but no one wants a list as long as that. This package includes several features that control the speed, braking and steering of the S-Class as well as the active and passive safety systems. Here's what you will get with the Driving Assistance Package:
- DISTRONIC Active Distance cruise control
- Active Speed Limit Assist
- Route-Based Speed Adjustment
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Lane Changing Assist
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function and congestion emergency braking function
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Pre-Safe Plus
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