2008 Mercedes-Benz M Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 45 M reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes M-Class does very well in federal government crash tests. It also features a long list of standard safety features. The 2007 model was the first SUV in the country to offer the Mercedes Pre-Safe system, which helps prepare the vehicle and passengers if it senses an impending crash.
The M-Class gets top five-star scores for driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests, as well as for front- and rear-seat safety in side crash tests. It gets a rollover rating of four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet tested the 2008 M-Class, but gave the 2007 model its top score of "Good" in frontal offset and side impact tests. It also named the 2007 M-Class as a "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance and standard electronic stability control.
Accident Avoidance
For accident avoidance, the 2008 M-Class includes traction and electronic stability control, anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, and hill descent control and hill assist features.
ML350 buyers can add on adaptive cruise control, which enables a radar sensor in the grille to pinpoint the location of a moving vehicle ahead. Distronic can then automatically adjust the throttle and even apply up to 20 percent of the vehicle's braking power to help the driver maintain the selected following distance.
For better visibility, the optional 319 Lighting Package adds bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, which provide better visibility over longer distances on both high and low beams. They also actively pivot their beams to either side, based on steering angle, to better illuminate curving roads. In addition, the package includes high-pressure headlamp washers and corner-illuminating fog lamps that activate at speeds under 25 mph when turning or when the turn signal is activated.
To assist in parking, buyers can add the optional Parktronic system, an audio-visual parking assistance system that uses sound waves to detect nearby obstacles. Audio-visual indicators on the dashboard and rear cabin ceiling alert the driver to the proximity and direction of objects that might be outside his or her line of sight.
Crash Protection
The M-Class features the new Mercedes Pre-Safe system, which senses an impending crash and prepares front passengers by tightening seat belts and adjusting seat cushions. The system even preps the vehicle itself by automatically closing the windows and sunroof. Front, side-impact and full-length head-protecting side curtain air bags further protect passengers in a crash. A rollover sensor activates both the seat belt tensioners and curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.
