2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

Neither the federal government nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the S-Class -- not an uncommon occurrence with cars at this price point. To protect occupants, the sedan does come with an extensive list of safety features.

Front, front-side, and side head-curtain airbags are standard. Rear-side airbags are also included, and can be deactivated if a child safety seat is installed. Electronic stability control and brake assist are standard. Adaptive headlights turn slightly with the steering wheel to help the driver see around corners, and a night vision system illuminates objects outside visual range on the navigation screen.

Mercedes PreSafe system is standard equipment for front seat occupants and optional for rear seating positions. The system uses radar to sense an impending crash, and responds to danger by automatically tightening the seatbelts, closing the windows and sunroof, and repositioning the power seats for maximum airbag protection. Rescue workers will even find discrete markings indicating the best places to cut in order to extract occupants after a severe impact.