The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has come out of the crash-test program of the "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" as one of the first SUVs to be awarded the maximum five-star rating for both the frontal and side crashes in the US-NCAP test.
After earning five stars in both the frontal and the side crash, the new M-Class now occupies a leading position in the SUV segment. In the American version of the NCAP test (New Car Assessment Program) the vehicles are subjected to a front-end crash at 36 mph against a rigid wall. The SINCAP test (Side Impact New Car Assessment Program) specifies an impact by a 3015-pound deformable barrier against the side of the car on a level with the front-seat occupants at 38.5 mph.
The Mercedes off-roader debuted on the American market six months ago setting new standards particularly with regard to passive safety. The unitized body with its high-strength passenger compartment and generous deformation zones in the front and rear provide the basic foundation for occupant protection. Adaptive two-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags, windowbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters are all standard equipment.
One unique new feature in the SUV segment is Mercedes' Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system. In critical driving situations where an accident threatens, the system cuts in ahead of time, preparing the occupants and the vehicle for a potential collision. As a precaution, Pre-Safe tensions both front seat belts, moves the electrically adjustable front passenger seat to a safer position and, if a roll-over appears imminent, also closes the sunroof.