Continuing the exemplary performance it noted in crash test ratings here in the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has once again proved its safety prowess, receiving the top mark of five stars in the European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests. The results are yet another confirmation that in addition to the M-Class' safety concept of excelling in real-life accident scenarios, the model performs equally as well in standardized testing.

As for what make the Mercedes M-Class such an outstanding performer in the event of an accident, standard equipment includes seven airbags, belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. The M-Class is also the first vehicle in its market segment anywhere in the world to be fitted as standard with the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE. By using the valuable seconds that elapse between a critical situation being identified and a possible ensuing impact, PRE-SAFE initiates a series of protective measures, thus reducing the forces acting on the occupants in the impact by up to 40 percent.

To learn more about the Mercedes-Benz M-Class as well as its recent Euro NCAP testing, you can find the complete details in the official press release below.

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


M-Class awarded top marks for safety in Euro NCAP test

Stuttgart – The new-generation M-Class has passed European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests with flying colours and has been awarded the top mark of five stars for its very high level of occupant protection. The Mercedes off-roader has also achieved outstanding results in tests carried out by US rating organisations.

The latest Euro NCAP test results are confirmation that the safety concept of the M-Class, which is geared to the real-life accident scenarios, also performs well in standardised rating crash tests. Equipped as standard with seven airbags, belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints, the SUV ensures its occupants an excellent standard of protection in the event of an accident. The M-Class is the first vehicle in its market segment anywhere in the world to be fitted as standard with the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. The system makes use of the valuable seconds which elapse between a critical situation being identified and a possible impact ensuing, to instigate protective measures. This makes it possible to reduce the forces acting on the occupants in an impact by up to 40 per cent.

The M-Class has garnered top marks in other rating tests too: it was awarded five stars in both the US NCAP and the US SINCAP tests performed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and received the coveted “Top Safety Pick” designation from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.


Copyright © 2008 Daimler AG



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