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The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG: Safety - Top technology for the greatest possible security

By | Published Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Mercedes-Benz drivers are safer than drivers of other brands when out on the roads. This is the result of an investigation carried out by Mercedes-Benz accident research on the basis of official, anonymised random data checks by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office. It underlines the efficacy of the comprehensive Mercedes-Benz safety philosophy. This involves the experts not contenting themselves with achieving rating targets, but working intensively on attaining a level of safety which far exceeds the standards stipulated by the world’s legislators. An important measure of their work is not the laboratory or crash test facility, but actual accident incidents. The results of the work carried out by the safety experts at Mercedes-Benz is known as Real Life Safety, a concept which is based on research into thousands of accidents. Using this irrefutable evidence, for their holistic safety concept they have developed or initiated most of the assistance systems which today effectively support drivers and have been adopted by many of the company’s competitors.

During the development process for the new SL the requirements of Euro NCAP and other rating institutes were taken into account. The basis for this is a new light-alloy bodyshell which is formed mainly by extruded sections and cast nodes made of aluminium. It facilitates a light yet stable cell compound for a highly rigid occupant cell. In conjunction with this the tail end and front are designed in such a way that in the event of an accident they can absorb high forces through deformation, thus considerably reducing the strain on the occupants in a crash in accordance with the principle of the crumple zone. The crash boxes behind the bumper trim and an exchangeable front module ensure that the damage sustained during a front impact at up to 15 km/h can be limited.

Protection in the event of an overturn

The occupants in the new SL enjoy good protection in the event of a potential overturn, too. A-pillars in a steel/aluminium material mix and two roll-over bars can protect the passenger compartment. Normally the two roll-over bars are completely recessed, so they do not interrupt the look of the elegant, luxury roadster’s flowing lines. They are located in two cartridges fixed to the bodyshell in the area behind the seat backrests. If the system of crash sensors detects a potential overturn, the airbag control unit emits a signal and the deployment mechanism is activated. Two preloaded pressure springs per cartridge see to it that the roll-over protection shoots to the support position in fractions of a second.

Headbag and crash-responsive head restraints

The restraint systems with two-stage driver and front passenger airbags have been enhanced. A headbag provides generous lateral protection for the head impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact. The seat belts, with inertia-reel tensioners and belt force limiters, serve to highlight the high safety standards of Mercedes-Benz.

Another new feature finding its way into the standard equipment of the SL comes in the form of the NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, developed by Mercedes-Benz. They can support the driver’s and passenger’s head in the event of a rear impact and reduce the risk of whiplash. Also fitted as standard is automatic child seat recognition. The ISOFIX child seat fastening system is available as an optional extra.

The latest technology for pedestrian protection

The new SL-Class Roadster uses the latest technology in the area of pedestrian protection, too. A sensor system is able to register an impact with a pedestrian and can ensure that the bonnet is immediately raised by 85 mm in the rear section. This creates additional space between the bonnet and the components in the engine compartment. This in turn results in comparatively lower acceleration values for the head of a pedestrian during the impact, thus reducing the overall risk of injury.

The deformation properties of the bonnet have also been specifically designed to meet the requirements concerning pedestrian protection. It consists of aluminium with a homogenous reinforcement on the inside of the bonnet and can therefore further reduce the loads in case of an accident. The SL’s "soft nose" also provides a large impact area, whilst the foam density and geometry in the front bumper have been optimised for reduced loads during leg impact with the pedestrian.

Only available from Mercedes-Benz – the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®
An additional safety highlight is the standard-specification anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, a system developed by Mercedes-Benz and unique throughout the world. If it detects an acute risk of an accident, it reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, also including the reversible, electromotive belt tensioning function which ensures that the occupants are better secured so that the seat belts and airbags are able to perform their protective function to the full during an impact. Mercedes-Benz developed PRE-SAFE® on the basis of research into actual accidents, and is the only manufacturer in the world to offer such a system.

Following an accident – optimally prepared

Mercedes-Benz’s holistic safety concept involves taking the phase after an accident into account. This is why the new SL has numerous post-crash measures incorporated on board which facilitate rapid assistance should the worst come to the worst: depending on the type of accident and the impact severity, the doors can be automatically unlocked, the interior lighting activated and the side windows opened by 50 millimetres to provide better ventilation in the interior. In addition to this, the steering wheel can be slid upwards. The concept is completed by the Guidelines for Rescue Services and the rescue cards which can be downloaded from the internet free of charge and which can serve as a valuable support for fire brigades.

ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE as standard

The new SL also features a unique combination of driver assistance systems which help to avoid accidents. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST, for example. Thanks to this system, the Roadster develops a precise feeling for the level of attentiveness of the driver and can provide an early warning of overtiredness.

Also making up part of the standard equipment specification is the ADAPTIVE BRAKE. It comprises ABS, the acceleration skid control system ASR and also active yaw control (GMR). In addition, it features the following functions:
- it supports the driver when moving off uphill, by preventing the vehicle from unintentionally rolling back;
- it also keeps the vehicle stationary without having to keep the brakes applied continuously – for example when waiting at traffic lights;
- as soon as the driver abruptly steps off the accelerator, it brings the brake pads into light contact with the brake discs as a precautionary measure, so that the necessary braking pressure can be attained quicker in the possible event of emergency braking;
- in wet conditions it applies light brake contact, without the driver even noticing, to dry the brake discs 

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE works in conjunction with the equally adaptive brake lights. In emergency braking situations, it warns vehicles behind with rapidly flashing brake lights.

PRE-SAFE® Brake: autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to a serious risk of a rear-end collision

Available as optional extras are the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control as well as the PRE-SAFE® Brake, already tried and tested in other Mercedes-Benz models. The two systems together and can initiate emergency braking automatically on detecting an acute risk of an accident.

In normal driving conditions, the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control adjusts the distance to the vehicle in front automatically. If necessary, it can apply the brakes, even bringing the SL-Class Roadster to a stop, and accelerate it again. This takes some of the strain off the driver, particularly in bumper-to-bumper driving conditions. If the distance starts to narrow too quickly, the system gives the driver visual and acoustic warnings, thereby prompting the driver to take action, at which point they are also supported by Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS).

If the systems detect the acute danger of a rear-end collision and the driver fails to respond to visual and acoustic warnings, the electronics activate the PRE-SAFE® Brake in preparation for autonomous braking. This happens in three stages:

Around 2.6 seconds before the calculated impact, the driver receives three audible warnings; around 1.6 seconds before the calculated accident, the car initiates autonomous partial braking with around 40 percent (approx. 4 m/s²) of the maximum braking power, gives the driver an additional, haptic warning of the impending impact and as a precaution activates the reversible PRE-SAFE® occupant protection systems. 

If the driver still fails to react, the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking power around 0.6 seconds before the now unavoidable collision – this emergency braking can greatly reduce the severity of the impact. The system therefore acts like an “electronic crumple zone”, offering the car occupants even greater protection.

The PRE-SAFE® Brake is active at speeds of between 30 and 200 km/h when moving vehicles are detected in front of the car. The system also reacts if the car approaches a stationary queue of traffic, providing its speed is below 70 km/h.

The functionality of DISTRONIC PLUS has been enhanced even further. It now reacts earlier to vehicles which cut in, and the car accelerates quicker when changing lanes itself and where the overtaking lane is clear. Thanks to the incorporation of information from digital maps (navigation mode), automatic control has also been further refined.

Intelligent Light System – good vision at all times

The Intelligent Light System also comes as part of the standard specification. It offers variably controllable headlamps with five different light functions which are adapted to suit driving and weather situations commonly encountered. They switch themselves on depending on the prevailing driving situation, offering the motorist a considerably greater field of vision:
- the country mode distributes the light from the low-beam headlamps in such a way that the left edge of the carriageway is illuminated more brightly and across a larger area

- the motorway mode switches on from a speed of 90 kilometres per hour and enlarges the field of vision by as much 60 percent

- the cornering light function is automatically activated when the main headlamps are on and if the driver operates the indicator or turns the steering wheel at a speed below 40 km/h. The low-beam headlamps and fog lamps then illuminate the side area ahead of the vehicle to a range of around 30 metres at an angle of up to 65 degrees

- the active light function improves illumination of the road on bends by up to 90 percent

- the enhanced fog light function works by pivoting the left-hand bi-xenon headlamp outwards by several degrees and lowering its beam. This provides brighter illumination of the inner half of the road 

Adaptive Highbeam Assist is also on board as part of the standard specification: when vehicles are detected ahead of or approaching the vehicle, this system automatically dips the beams and adjusts the range of the headlamps according to the distance.

Assistance systems spring into action

Those wanting to can choose to extend the package of assistance systems in the new SL even further. They provide extra doses of both safety and comfort. As an option Mercedes-Benz can equip the roadster with the following helpful features:
- Speed Limit Assist: it is able to detect speed limit signs using a camera on the inside of the windscreen and indicate the respective detected speed limit on a display in the instrument cluster and in COMAND (standard-fit in conjunction with COMAND Online).
- Active Blind Spot Assist: it warns the driver when changing lanes if a risk of collision is detected due to another vehicle in the neighbouring lane being in the blind spot of the exterior mirror. If the driver ignores the warning and nevertheless initiates the lane-changing manoeuvre, the Active Blind Spot Assist intervenes. A brake actuation counteracts the collision course (part of the driver assistance package with DISTRONIC PLUS including the PRE-SAFE® Brake and Active Lane Keeping Assist).

- Active Lane Keeping Assist: this system kicks into action if the Mercedes-Benz vehicle inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In such a case, a warning sign in the instrument cluster and vibrations in the steering wheel warn the driver. If the driver does not heed the warning in the case of a solid line, Active Lane Keeping Assist can use the ESP® to brake the opposite wheels and thereby prevent the vehicle from crossing the solid line (also part of the driver assistance package – please see above).

Hands off the steering wheel when parking

Active Parking Assist will answer the prayers of many drivers in the chronically congested traffic areas of Europe: the SL can not only detect parking spaces, but also help with the parking itself. This is made possible thanks to a combination of the new electromechanical steering system (please see the chapter on the chassis and suspension) and a series of ultrasonic sensors. This convenience system features the following functions:
- measurement of potential parking spaces lengthwise to the direction of travel – even in slightly curved bends – up to a drive-by speed of 30 km/h. The parking spaces must be at least one metre longer than the vehicle
- calculation of a suitable parking manoeuvre in order to park the vehicle parallel to the kerb
- automatic steering in order to perform this parking manoeuvre
- automatic steering in order to exit the parking space. This is only possible if the parking space was entered using Active Parking Assist 

Two ultrasonic sensors take care of the search for suitable parking spaces lengthwise in the direction of travel. They are integrated in the front bumper, on the left and right. If the speed falls below 30 km/h, a "P" symbol in the instrument cluster signals to the driver that the active search for a parking place has been started automatically. If the system has found a potential parking space, an arrow indicates this alongside the "P" symbol. As standard, the arrow shows parking spaces on the passenger side. If the indicator on the driver’s side has been activated, it shows potential parking spaces on the driver’s side.

It is up to the driver to assess whether the free area designated by the system is indeed actually a parking space. Even during the parking procedure the responsibility remains with the driver, who must use the accelerator and brake pedals during parking. The Active Parking Assist takes care of the steering and for orientation it uses the two front ultrasonic sensors as well as four further sensors in the rear bumper. During parking, the roadster must not move faster than 10 km/h. The automatic parking manoeuvre is configured for a maximum of five turns (backwards-forwards-backwards-forwards-backwards). Once the vehicle is standing correctly in the automatically selected parking space, the system aligns the wheels.

The Active Parking Assist switches itself off as soon as the driver intervenes in the automatic turning of the steering wheel, if the system is turned off via the PTS button (PARKTRONIC sensor), both if the driver’s seat belt buckle or the driver’s door is open, or if there is a system error. Nevertheless the familiar PARKTRONIC function remains available without any restrictions.
* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Active Brake Assist 2 in the Mercedes-Benz Travego

By | Published Sunday, 1 April 2012

Mercedes-Benz is now launching the second generation of Active Brake Assist in their flagship Travego. The new generation of the award-winning Active Brake Assist – also known as the advanced emergency braking system and the winner of numerous awards – can now detect stationary obstacles. Until now, following a series of warnings of increasing severity and a lack of reaction on the part of the driver, the safety system always automatically initiated a full application of the brakes in the case of an acute risk of collision with a slower-moving vehicle ahead.

Active Brake Assist: tried and tested over five billion kilometres

After introducing various active and passive assistance systems such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Lane Assistant (SPA), Continuous Braking Limiter (DBL), Brake Assist (BA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ART), Front Collision Guard (FCG) and Active Brake Assist, Mercedes-Benz is now introducing the second generation of Active Brake Assist, yet another milestone on the path to implementing the vision of accident-free driving.

Up to now, the safety system only initiated an emergency stop if there was a risk of a collision with the vehicle ahead, but Active Brake Assist 2 now has the ability to initiate a braking manoeuvre in response to stationary obstacles, for example if there is an unexpected motorway tailback.

Active Brake Assist was first implemented in Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy trucks in 2006 and in Mercedes-Benz Travego buses in 2008. Since then, this assistance system has truly proved its worth over five billion kilometres. There are approximately 27,000 Daimler trucks and buses on the roads equipped with Active Brake Assist.

Active Brake Assist 2 will complement the presentsystem from the end of the year. Mercedes-Benz will continue to support the distribution of Active Brake Assist at no extra cost in connection with Adaptive Cruise Control being ordered by the customer.

The radar-controlled system detects stationary obstacles

The radar of Active Brake Assist 2 scans an area between 0.25 and 200 m in the lane ahead of the bus, constantly monitoring the distance and the difference in speed to the vehicle directly ahead or to a stationary obstacle. If an accident is unavoidable unless the driver takes action, the driver is first warned by a red triangle lighting up and an acoustic warning signal. If the situation becomes more severe, the system reacts by braking.

The warning concept is designed such that drivers can take action themselves in order to avoid a critical situation. The brake application initiated by Active Brake Assist 2 is done so with 30 % of the maximum braking power and thus the driver can gain the time needed to avoid the potential accident and take appropriate action.

Effective from 100 - 0 km/h and stable in different weather and lighting conditions

Compared with other systems still being developed, Active Brake Assist 2 has distinct advantages. The successful radar technology has proved itself to be robust under most weather and lighting conditions. Also, Active Brake Assist is active across the whole speed range of a bus from almost 0 km/h (slow driving) up to motorway speeds, with the limiter deploying at 100 km/h. Active Brake Assist 2 from the Mercedes-Benz Actros was adapted to the needs of buses for this purpose.

Discounted rates for third-party and comprehensive insurance

Active Brake Assist 2 cannot always prevent accidents, but by braking automatically it considerably reduces the collision speed and thus lessens the accident damage. Buses equipped with Active Brake Assist, Lane Assistant and Adaptive Cruise Control are entitled to a ten-percent reduction on third-party and comprehensive insurance from Mercedes-Benz Omnibus insurance through the Mercedes-Benz Bank.
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Comprehensive child safety programme for the new B-Class: Big on safety for little passengers

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The new B-Class represents a particularly family-oriented model from Mercedes-Benz. The comprehensive range of child seats for every age and weight group is typical of the standard of safety offered by Mercedes-Benz. The range features ISOFIX attachment points as standard, plus options including rear seats with integrated child seats (IKS), automatic child seat recognition (ACSR) on the front passenger seat and the comprehensive programme of Mercedes-tested child restraint systems: the BABY-SAFE plus infant seat, the DUO plus seat and the KIDFIX booster seat with adjustable backrest.

Unsecured children face a seven times greater risk of injury in an accident than children protected by restraint systems. With this in mind, Mercedes-Benz continually strives to improve the protection of children in cars. Accident research and accident statistics show that children require special restraint systems on account of their anatomy. The customary automatic seat belt does not represent the ideal means of securing children in cars. Varying requirements apply, according to children’s age group, height and weight. Mercedes-Benz thus offers different child seats tailored to the physical characteristics which define the respective age groups.

As an entry-level model there is the BABY-SAFE plus infant seat, which is suitable for children in the 0+ weight group (0-13 kg/0 to approx. 15 months). The DUO plus model, available with or without ACSR, is suitable for infants belonging to weight group I (9-18 kg/approx. 8 months to 4 years). The KIDFIX child seat, also available with or without ACSR, is ideal for weight groups II and III (15-36 kg/age approx. three and a half to twelve).

Mercedes-Benz innovation: automatic child seat recognition (ACSR)

Automatic child seat recognition is a special safety feature from Mercedes-Benz. It was developed especially for rear-facing infant seats in which babies and infants weighing up to 13 kg (approx. 15 months) sit on the front passenger seat, facing opposite to the direction of travel. The advantage of fitting the seat in this manner is that the backrest of the child seat forms an extensive buffer zone which braces the entire upper part of the body and the head in a frontal collision. As a result, the head remains in its customary position in relation to the upper part of the body, thus reducing the strain on the neck. As the front passenger airbag has to be deactivated when fitting a rear-facing infant seat, Mercedes-Benz developed an automatic child seat recognition system more than ten years ago. This is a passive system which detects when a child seat is fitted to the front passenger seat and automatically deactivates the vehicle's front passenger airbag. This is particularly vital when an infant seat is fitted in rear-facing direction. An indicator lamp signals that the airbag is deactivated.

Integrated child seats

Another development from Mercedes-Benz is integrated child seats (IKS), a system which is permanently installed in the vehicle. IKS is optionally available for many model series. The child seats fold out of the rear bench seat at the touch of a button to provide safe and secure accommodation for two children aged 2 and above and weighing up to 36 kilograms (spanning the age group from roughly two to twelve). When the child seats are no longer required, they can simply be folded back into the rear bench seat.

In Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the occupant cell, seats, airbags and belts form a perfectly coordinated system. The child seat further enhances these safety functions, ensuring that youngsters are just as safe as adults in an accident. Mercedes-Benz child seats undergo the most rigorous laboratory and crash tests to verify their effectiveness. Beyond the mandatory tests according to stringent statutory regulations, the company also carries out its own tests, such as frontal impact at a speed of 64 km/h.

Child seats from Mercedes-Benz: the right system for every age group

Intelligent safety solutions

Children who are not secured correctly when a car is on the move are at extreme risk in the event of an accident. They are seven times more likely to be seriously injured or killed than children who are protected by appropriate restraint systems. In 2010, 49 children aged under 15 were killed in passenger cars involved in accidents in Germany and almost 10,000 were injured, according to information from the Federal Statistical Office. This represents a drop of around 50 percent in child fatalities in comparison to the beginning of the decade, while the number of children injured in passenger cars has fallen by around 30 percent over the same period.

A random check undertaken by the German ADAC automobile club in October 2011 revealed that around a third of children travelling in cars are still not secured correctly, however. Five percent of the children aged between six and twelve in the check were not even wearing a seat belt, while 20 percent were not sitting in a child seat appropriate to their age group. 28 percent of infants were not secured in the proper manner and three percent of those aged under 6 were travelling in vehicles without being secured in any manner whatsoever. In this spot sample the ADAC checked a total of 2325 children in 1569 vehicles outside schools and nurseries in eleven federal German states.

Only special seats afford optimum protection for small passengers

Another look at the relevant statistics confirms that the seat belt for adults does not represent the best means of securing children: the risk of injury in an accident stands at only eleven percent in a child seat, as compared to 25 percent when children are secured with a seat belt intended for adults.

This is attributable to children’s anatomy. Adults and children differ not only in terms of height and weight, but also with regard to physique and body proportions. The head of a new-born child accounts for around one quarter of its body weight, for example, while the corresponding figure for an adult is only around 18 percent. The bone structure also differs.

The logical consequence of these biological differences is that children require restraint systems which are tailored exactly to their special needs and their age, whereby different requirements apply among children according to age group, height and weight. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz offers three removable child seats and one permanently installed system, ensuring the safety of children in all age groups. All the restraint systems meet Mercedes-Benz's high safety standards.

BABY-SAFE plus

BABY-SAFE plus offers very young babies weighing up to 13 kilograms (approx. 15 months) optimum protection, an ideal fit and the best possible comfort thanks to snug padding in "DaimlerSquare" fabric design. The infant seat is fitted opposite to the direction of travel, in order to offer the best possible support for young babies' sensitive cervical vertebrae. In the event of a collision, the seat stays the child's entire body. This reduces localised stress substantially. High side bolsters and a particularly deep seat shell afford babies even better protection. In case of side impact, this entails major safety benefits.

The child is secured in the infant seat by means of an integrated 5-point belt. BABY-SAFE plus is attached to the vehicle using the three-point seat belt. The BABY-SAFE plus infant seat comes with the automatic child seat recognition (ACSR) as standard. When the infant seat is fixed to the front passenger seat of a vehicle which is also equipped with ACSR, the airbag electronics detect the fitted seat and deactivate the airbag on the front passenger side automatically. This is particularly important when child seats are fitted facing towards the rear. When the child seat is removed, the airbag is operational once again. The automatic child seat recognition system is not only convenient but also safe, as no buttons need to be pressed in order to deactivate the airbag. This also means there is no danger of forgetting to reactivate the front passenger airbag when the child seat is removed.

BABY-SAFE plus comes with a standard-fit sunroof which protects the young passengers from intensive sunlight.

DUO plus

The Mercedes-Benz child seat DUO plus is suitable for babies and young children weighing between nine and 18 kilograms (age range approx. 8 months to 4 years). DUO plus comes with ISOFIX as standard and is optionally available with automatic child seat recognition (ACSR). It is fitted in the direction of travel and can be attached either with the ISOFIX system or using a three-point seat belt. ISOFIX is an internationally standardised connection system between vehicle and child seat. DUO plus features two fastening hooks which are slotted into two metal eyelets between the seat surface and the vehicle seat backrest. DUO plus is additionally attached to the vehicle seat backrest by means of a so-called Top Tether in the upper area of the child seat. The child seat is then firmly connected to the vehicle's body. The vehicle's seat belt is not required when the child seat is attached with ISOFIX and Top Tether. ISOFIX and Top Tether anchor points are required by law in new vehicles in Europe and the USA. ISOFIX and Top Tether attach the forward-facing child restraint system to the vehicle more effectively than when the child seat is secured using the seat belt, and thus offer better protection. 

The child is secured in the seat by means of a harness belt system (five-point belt). The belt height adjustment feature allows the seat to "grow" with its user. The padding on the shoulder belts is designed to limit forces acting on the particularly vulnerable areas of the head and neck. It effectively reduces the strain on the head and neck when the impact of an accident exceeds a certain severity. To keep youngsters not only safe but also comfortable, the backrest shell of the DUO plus seat incorporates a shift feature which enables the seat to be inclined in a position suitable for a sleeping child. DUO plus comes in the "Limited Black" fabric design. This hard-wearing seat cover is removable and washable.

KIDFIX

The third model in Mercedes-Benz's child seat range goes by the name of KIDFIX. This seat is ideal for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (age range approx. three and a half to twelve). Child and seat are secured using the vehicle's three-point seat belt. The raised seat position corrects the positioning of the belt passing over the pelvis and shoulders, adapting it to the child's anatomy. The belt guides at the sides ensure that the lap belt does not slip into the area of the child's abdomen. The KIDFIX seat can additionally be attached to the vehicle's ISOFIX anchorage points, whereby the child continues to be secured by the vehicle's seat belt. This has the advantage that the child seat is positioned correctly in the vehicle and, in particular, ensures that it does not fly around the interior and endanger the vehicle's occupants when it is unoccupied.

KIDFIX incorporates a height-adjustable backrest. Apart from its comfort aspect, this backrest also ensures that the Mercedes KIDFIX child seat can be used for children up to the age of twelve. KIDFIX additional features a sitting and sleeping position and additional lateral support for head and body in the form of pronounced side bolsters and side head restraints. In the event of side impact, this design ensures that the child is not shaken too severely from side to side.

The automatic child seat recognition system is optionally available for fitting KIDFIX on the front passenger seat. The child seat can also be used without the system, however. In this case, the front passenger seat is to be moved into its rearmost position. KIDFIX comes in the "Limited Black" fabric design. This hard-wearing seat cover is removable and washable.

Complete exchangeable covers in DaimlerSquare design are available for all child seat models. Replacement covers for the head and shoulder section of the DUO and for the head section of the KIDFIX come in flannel grey or chilli red. Replacement covers are available for all child seat models, either as exchangeable covers for the head section in flannel grey or chilli red or as complete exchangeable covers in "DaimlerSquare" design.

Integrated child seats (IKS)

The integrated child seats (IKS) form a system which is permanently installed in the vehicle, consisting of two child seats which fold out of the rear bench seat at the touch of a button to safely accommodate two children aged two and above and weighing up to 36 kilograms (age range approx. two to twelve). When the seats are no longer required, they can simply be folded away. The rear bench seat is then available for adults again. Integrated child seats are offered as optional extras for numerous model series.

Additional side head restraints from the Mercedes-Benz genuine accessories programme (IKS includes one side head restraint as standard) are recommendable for increased safety in the event of side impact. As the child is also able to rest its head to the side, these also provide for enhanced comfort. Integrated child seats can be upgraded with the separately available padded table into a safe restraint system for children aged 2 and above and weighing up to 18 kg (approx. 4 years of age). The padded table is secured by means of the vehicle's three-point seat belt and offers protection in a manner tailored specifically to small children's anatomy by providing a large surface area to brace the abdomen area.

Mercedes-Benz child seats at a glance:




As the growth process may vary greatly among children, the age ranges specified for the different child seat models represent only rough terms of reference. Different choices of seat may be appropriate in individual cases. In choosing a suitable seat, the child's weight should thus always be the decisive factor and the weight range of the current child seat should always be fully exhausted before moving up to the next model. A vitally important factor is that the child's head must never protrude beyond the backrest.

Legal requirements in the field of child safety

National and ECE regulations

Since 1 April 1993 it has been mandatory for children travelling in motor vehicles to be secured in child seats. Paragraph 21 (1a) of the German Road Traffic Ordinance stipulates the following in this connection: "Children up to the age of twelve who are shorter than 150 centimetres may only travel in motor vehicles in seats for which seat belts are mandatory if restraint devices are used for children which meet the requirements stipulated in Article 2 (1), letter c of directive 91/671/EEC of 16 December 1991 relating to the compulsory use of safety belts and the compulsory use of child restraint systems in motor vehicles (Official EC Journal no. L 373, p. 26), as amended by Article 1, no. 3 of directive 2003/20/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 8 April 2003 (Official EU Journal no. L 115, p. 63), and which are suitable for the child."

Supplementary note: Use is thus mandatory for children who are shorter than 150 centimetres or under twelve years of age. This means that a twelve year-old child of only 140 centimetres in height or a ten year-old child of 155 centimetres in height does not have to use a child seat, as compliance with one of the two criteria is sufficient. Mercedes-Benz nevertheless recommends the use of child seats up to a height of 1.50 m, even if the child is twelve or older.

The German legislature has imposed sanctions for contraventions of the mandatory obligation for children to be secured correctly in their seats, with fines ranging from € 30 (child only secured with adult seat belt) to € 50 and one penalty point on the driver's licence (several children not properly secured). Insurance companies also reserve the right to reduce compensation claims when child seats are not used or are used in an incorrect manner.

Officially approved child seats are identifiable by the orange-coloured ECE approval label which is obligatory on such seats. All the child seats in Mercedes-Benz's programme comply with the latest safety standard, which is indicated by an approval number beginning with "04". The label also specifies the weight range for which the child seat is suitable.

Since the amended version of Section 21 (1a) and (1b) of the German Road Traffic Ordinance entered into force on 1 March 2007, it has also been mandatory for children to travel in child seats on the rear seats of taxis. This obligation is restricted to a requirement for taxi drivers to provide child seats corresponding to ECE group I (mandatory) and II/III, however, with the possibility of accommodating one to two children. Parents themselves are required to provide infant seats for very small babies.

The applicable legal requirements for child seats in Europe are stipulated in ECE regulation no. 44, which classifies the use of child seats into different groups (see table). As stated above, the defined age groups serve only as general reference points and the child's weight should always be the principal guiding factor.


ECE classifications according to weight and age




The ECE regulation additionally classifies child seats according to different categories defining the possible use of the child seats in different vehicles:

ECE classification according to categories and form of use




All the specifications relating to possible use are provided on the orange ECE approval label which is mandatory on every child seat. Apart from the category and weight class, these specifications also include the licensing country and approval number. The letter "E" in a circle guarantees compliance with the applicable statutory ECE regulations; the number after the "E" indicates the country in which the child seat has been licensed.

Only child restraint systems approved in accordance with ECE 44/04 are now permitted for sale in Germany. Child seats with ECE 44/03 approval may still be used, however.

Strict regulations on child safety in Germany's neighbouring countries, too

Germany's neighbouring countries in Europe have regulations in place on children travelling in motor vehicles which are similar to those in Germany. Since 1 April 2010 a child seat has also been compulsory in Switzerland for children aged under 12 and up to a height of 150 cm.


Depending on the child's weight, the use of an infant seat, a child seat or a special seat cushion is required. In Austria, all children who are below 150 cm in height and under 14 years of age must be secured with a child restraint system or a child booster seat. Children who reach a height of 150 cm prior to their 14th birthday only require to be secured with a corresponding seat belt. 

Since 1 January 2001 it has additionally been illegal to sell child car seats in Austria which do not comply with version 03 of the ECE 44 safety standard (ECE 44/03) at least. Anyone selling child seats which do not meet the required safety standards (including private individuals) faces hefty fines.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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The new Mercedes-Benz SL: Safety - Top technology for the greatest possible safety

By | Published Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Mercedes-Benz drivers are safer than drivers of other brands when out on the roads. This is the result of an investigation carried out by Mercedes-Benz accident research on the basis of official, anonymised random data checks by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office. It underlines the efficacy of the comprehensive Mercedes-Benz safety philosophy. This involves the experts not contenting themselves with achieving rating targets, but working intensively on attaining a level of safety which far exceeds the standards stipulated by the world’s legislators. An important measure of their work is not the laboratory or crash test facility, but actual accident incidents. The results of the work carried out by the safety experts at Mercedes-Benz is known as Real Life Safety, a concept which is based on research into thousands of accidents. Using this irrefutable evidence, for their holistic safety concept they have developed or initiated most of the assistance systems which today effectively support drivers and have been adopted by many of the company’s competitors.


“The new Mercedes-Benz SL sets new standards for roadsters and can confidently be referred to as the safest roadster in the world”, remarks Professor Dr Rodolfo Schöneburg, Director of Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz. “The rigid aluminium bodyshell offers superb preconditions for a stable occupant cell, as well as for precisely defined deformation zones. This provides optimum protection for the occupants in the event of an accident. But we do not just think about those inside the vehicle – we also consider the other road users, for instance through effective pedestrian protection measures or assistance systems which also protect other motorists.”

During the development process for the new SL the requirements of Euro NCAP and other rating institutes were taken into account. The basis for this is a new light-alloy bodyshell which is formed mainly by extruded sections and cast nodes made of aluminium. It facilitates a light yet stable cell compound for a highly rigid occupant cell. In conjunction with this the tail end and front are designed in such a way that in the event of an accident they can absorb high forces through deformation, thus considerably reducing the strain on the occupants in a crash in accordance with the principle of the crumple zone. The crash boxes behind the bumper trim and an exchangeable front module ensure that the damage sustained during a front impact at up to 15 km/h can be limited.

Protection in the event of an overturn

The occupants in the new SL enjoy good protection in the case of a potential overturn, too. A-pillars in a steel/aluminium material mix and two roll-over bars can protect the passenger compartment. Normally the two roll-over bars are completely recessed, so they do not interrupt the look of the elegant, luxury roadster’s flowing lines. They are located in two cartridges fixed to the bodyshell in the area behind the seat backrests. If the system of crash sensors detects a potential overturn, the airbag control unit emits a signal and the deployment mechanism is activated. Two preloaded pressure springs per cartridge see to it that the roll-over protection shoots to the support position in fractions of a second.

Headbag and crash-responsive head restraints

The restraint systems with two-stage driver and front passenger airbags have been enhanced. A headbag provides generous lateral protection for the head impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact. The seat belts, with inertia-reel tensioners and belt force limiters, serve to highlight the high safety standards of Mercedes-Benz.

Another new feature finding its way into the standard equipment of the SL comes in the form of the NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, developed by Mercedes-Benz. They can support the driver’s and passenger’s head in the event of a rear impact and reduce the risk of whiplash. Also fitted as standard is automatic child seat recognition. The ISOFIX system is available as an optional extra.

Protection for pedestrians

The new SL-Class Roadster uses the latest technology in the area of pedestrian protection, too. A sensor system is able to register an impact with a pedestrian and can ensure that the bonnet is immediately raised by 85 mm in the rear section. This creates additional space between the bonnet and the components in the engine compartment. This in turn results in comparatively lower acceleration values for the head of a pedestrian during the impact, thus reducing the overall risk of injury.

The deformation properties of the bonnet have also been specifically designed to meet the requirements concerning pedestrian protection. It consists of aluminium with a homogenous reinforcement on the inside of the bonnet and can therefore further reduce the loads in case of an accident. The SL’s “soft nose” also provides a large impact area, whilst the foam density and geometry in the front bumper have been optimised for reduced loads during leg impact with the pedestrian.

Only available from Mercedes-Benz – the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®

An additional safety highlight is the standard-specification anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, a system developed by Mercedes-Benz and unique throughout the world. If it detects an acute risk of an accident, it reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, also including the reversible, electromotive belt tensioning function which ensures that the occupants are better secured so that the seat belts and airbags are able to perform their protective function to the full during an impact. Mercedes-Benz developed PRE-SAFE® on the basis of research into actual accidents, and is the only manufacturer in the world to offer such a system.

Following an accident – optimally prepared

Mercedes-Benz’s holistic safety concept involves considering the phase after an accident. This is why the new SL has numerous post-crash measures incorporated on board which facilitate rapid assistance should the worst come to the worst: depending on the type of accident and the impact severity, the doors can be automatically unlocked, the interior lighting activated and the side windows opened by 50 millimetres to provide better ventilation in the interior. In addition to this, the steering wheel can be slid upwards. The concept is completed by the Guidelines for Rescue Services and the rescue cards which can be downloaded from the internet free of charge and which can serve as a valuable support for fire brigades.

ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE as standard

The new SL also features a unique combination of driver assistance systems which help to avoid accidents. These include the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, for example. Thanks to this system, the roadster develops a precise feeling for the level of attentiveness of the driver and can provide an early warning of overtiredness.

Also making up part of the standard equipment specification is the ADAPTIVE BRAKE. It comprises ABS, the acceleration skid control system ASR and also active yaw control (GMR). In addition, it features the following functions:

- it supports the driver when moving off uphill, by preventing the vehicle from unintentionally rolling back;

- it also keeps the vehicle stationary without having to keep the brakes applied continuously – for example when waiting at traffic lights;

- as soon as the driver abruptly steps off the accelerator, it brings the brake pads into light contact with the brake discs as a precautionary measure, so that the necessary braking pressure can be attained quicker in the possible event of emergency braking;

- in wet conditions it applies light brake contact, without the driver even noticing, to dry the brake discs.

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE works in conjunction with the equally adaptive brake lights. In emergency braking situations, it warns vehicles behind with rapidly flashing brake lights.

PRE-SAFE® Brake: autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to a serious risk of a rear-end collision

Available as optional extras are the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control as well as the PRE-SAFE® Brake, already tried and tested in other Mercedes-Benz models. The two systems together and can initiate emergency braking automatically on detecting an acute risk of an accident.

In normal driving conditions, the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control adjusts the distance to the vehicle in front automatically. If necessary, it can apply the brakes, even bringing the SL Roadster to a stop, and accelerate it again. This takes some of the strain off the driver, particularly in bumper-to-bumper driving conditions. If the distance starts to narrow too quickly, the system gives the driver visual and acoustic warnings, thereby prompting the driver to take action, at which point they are also supported by Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS).

If the systems detect the acute danger of a rear-end collision and the driver fails to respond to visual and acoustic warnings, the electronics activate the PRE-SAFE® Brake in preparation for autonomous braking. This happens in two stages:

Around 1.6 seconds before the calculated impact point, the car initiates autonomous partial braking with around 40 percent (approx. four m/s²) of the maximum braking power, gives the driver an additional, haptic warning of the impending impact and as a precaution activates the reversible PRE-SAFE® occupant protection systems.

If the driver still fails to react, the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking power around 0.6 seconds before the now unavoidable collision – this emergency braking can greatly reduce the severity of the impact. The system therefore acts like an “electronic crumple zone”, offering the car occupants even greater protection.

The PRE-SAFE® Brake is active at speeds of between 30 and 200 km/h when moving vehicles are detected in front of the car. The system also reacts if the car approaches a stationary queue of traffic, providing the car’s speed is below 70 km/h.

The functionality of DISTRONIC PLUS has been enhanced even further. It now reacts earlier to vehicles which cut in, and the car accelerates quicker when changing lanes itself and where the overtaking lane is clear. Thanks to the incorporation of information from digital maps (navigation mode), automatic control has also been further refined.

Intelligent Light System – good vision at all times

The Intelligent Light System also comes as part of the standard specification. It offers variably controllable headlamps with five different light functions which are adapted to suit driving and weather situations commonly encountered. They switch themselves on depending on the prevailing driving situation, offering the motorist a considerably greater field of vision:

- The country mode distributes the light from the low-beam headlamps in such a way that the left edge of the carriageway is illuminated more brightly and across a larger area.

- The motorway mode switches on from a speed of 90 kilometres per hour and enlarges the field of vision by as much 60 percent.

- The cornering light function is automatically activated when the main headlamps are on and if the driver operates the indicator or turns the steering wheel at a speed below 40 km/h. The low-beam headlamps and fog lamps then illuminate the side area ahead of the vehicle to a range of around 30 metres at an angle of up to 65 degrees.

- The active light function improves illumination of the road on bends by up to 90 percent.

- The enhanced fog light function works by pivoting the left-hand bi-xenon headlamp outwards by several degrees and lowering its beam. This provides brighter illumination of the inner half of the road.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist is also on board as part of the standard specification: when vehicles are detected ahead of or approaching the vehicle, this system automatically dips the beams and adjusts the range of the headlamps according to the distance.

The assistance systems spring into action

Those wanting to can choose to extend the potpourri of assistance systems in the new SL even further. They provide extra doses of both safety and comfort. As an option Mercedes-Benz can equip the roadster with the following helpful features:

- Speed Limit Assist: it is able to detect speed limit signs using a camera on the inside of the windscreen and indicate the respective detected speed limit on a display in the instrument cluster and in COMAND. (Standard-fit in conjunction with COMAND online).

- Active Blind Spot Assist: it warns the driver when changing lanes if a risk of collision is detected due to another vehicle in the neighbouring lane being in the blind spot of the exterior mirror. If the driver ignores the warning and nevertheless initiates the lane-changing manoeuvre, the Active Blind Spot Assist intervenes. A brake actuation counteracts the collision course. (Part of the driver assistance package with DISTRONIC PLUS including the PRE-SAFE® Brake and Active Lane Keeping Assist).

- Active Lane Keeping Assist: this system kicks into action if the Mercedes-Benz vehicle inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In such a case, a warning sign in the instrument cluster and vibrations in the steering wheel warn the driver. If the driver does not heed the warning in the case of a solid line, Active Lane Keeping Assist can use the ESP® to brake the opposite wheels and thereby prevent the vehicle from crossing the solid line. (Also part of the driver assistance package – please see above).

Hands off the steering wheel when parking

Active Parking Assist will answer the prayers of many drivers in the chronically congested traffic areas of Europe: the SL can not only detect parking spaces, but also help with the parking itself. This is made possible thanks to a combination of the new electromechanical Direct-Steer system (please see the chapter on the chassis and suspension) and a series of ultrasonic sensors. This convenience system features the following functions:

- Measurement of potential parking spaces lengthwise to the direction of travel – even in slightly curved bends – up to a drive-by speed of 30 km/h. The parking spaces must be at least one metre longer than the vehicle.

- Calculation of a suitable parking manoeuvre in order to park the vehicle parallel to the kerb.

- Automatic steering in order to perform this parking manoeuvre.

- Automatic steering in order to exit the parking space. This is only possible if the parking space was entered using Active Parking Assist.

Two ultrasonic sensors take care of the search for suitable parking spaces lengthwise in the direction of travel. They are integrated in the front bumper, on the left and right. If the speed falls below 30 km/h, a “P” symbol in the instrument cluster signals to the driver that the active search for a parking place has been started automatically. If the system has found a potential parking space, an arrow indicates this alongside the “P” symbol. As standard, the arrow shows parking spaces on the passenger side. If the indicator on the driver’s side has been activated, it shows potential parking spaces on the driver’s side.

It is up to the driver to assess whether the free area designated by the system is indeed actually a parking space. Even during the parking procedure the responsibility remains with the driver. They activate the accelerator and brake pedals during parking. The Active Parking Assist takes care of the steering and for orientation it uses the two front ultrasonic sensors as well as four further sensors in the rear bumper. During parking, the roadster must not move faster than 10 km/h. The automatic parking manoeuvre is configured for a maximum of five turns (backwards-forwards-backwards-forwards-backwards). Once the vehicle is standing correctly in the automatically selected parking space, the system aligns the wheels.

The Active Parking Assist switches itself off as soon as the driver intervenes in the automatic turning of the steering wheel, if the system is turned off via the PTS button (Parktronic sensor), both if the driver’s seat belt buckle or the driver’s door is open, or if there is a system error. Nevertheless the familiar PARKTRONIC function remains available without any restrictions.















Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Improved protection for rear passengers - New milestone of technology: active seat-belt buckle

By | Published Thursday, 9 February 2012

Active seat-belt buckle is a new innovation for the rear seats which is currently under development by safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz and will shortly go into series production in one of the Stuttgart manufacturer's luxury-segment models. An electric motor extends and retracts the seat belt buckle automatically. In this way, the belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax can be reduced and passengers are secured more firmly in sideways and lengthways directions. Active seat-belt buckle fits in with Mercedes-Benz's integrated safety concept. In keeping with an all-embracing approach to safety, this concept covers all phases of automotive safety: from safety during driving through safety in hazardous situations and protection in the event of an accident to minimisation of the consequences of accidents.


The innovation is typically Mercedes-Benz, improving safety and comfort in one. Fastening seat belts in the rear is also made much simpler: the seat belt buckle emerges from the upholstery when the rear doors are opened and is provided with an illuminated insertion slot. Simplifying use of the seat belt in this manner may increase the percentage of rear passengers who buckle up. The innovation also makes it easier to assist children or people who require help in fastening their seat belts.

Active seat-belt buckle is also integrated in the PRE-SAFE® preventive safety system. This means that whenever PRE-SAFE® becomes active in critical driving situations or when a critical distance from other objects is detected, reversible belt tensioning is also effected in the rear via the active seat-belt buckle function. The restraint system and the passengers are thus better prepared for a possible accident situation. Active seat-belt buckle complements the pyrotechnic belt tensioning which has featured as standard on all outer rear seats in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for many years now. This pyrotechnic system is triggered in the event of actual impact.

The Mercedes safety experts have developed active seat-belt buckle using detailed computer models of the human body, as dummies are only able to simulate the human pelvic system along very rough lines.

"Active seat-belt buckle is another element of our 'PRE-SAFE®' concept, which is intended to provide our customers with optimum protection in real accident scenarios," stresses Prof. Dr. Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "After all, we aim to offer a high standard of safety not only in all model series, but also in all seats." Active seat-belt buckle has also been developed with an eye on new markets in which the level of occupied rear seats is up to 30 percent – markedly higher than in Europe. "In the rear of premium saloons in particular, passengers tend to sit in particularly relaxed positions in the generous space which is available," explains Schöneburg. "Active seat-belt buckle as part of PRE-SAFE® unlocks the full potential of the on-board restraint systems."

Integration in the vehicle's PRE-SAFE® system

Active seat-belt buckle is a moving belt buckle which can be extended by 70 millimetres and retracted by 40 millimetres via an electric motor. The belt buckle is attached via a cable to a spindle nut which runs on a spindle, translating the electric motor's rotary movement into a linear movement.

The following functions are carried out by means of this movement:

- Seat belt reminder/easier fastening of the seat belt: Active seat-belt buckle is provided with an illuminated insertion slot, attracting the occupants' attention to the buckle. Particularly in the dark, the belt buckle is easier to find and to connect with the seat belt tongue. In addition, the belt buckle is extended by 70 millimetres when occupants enter the rear of the vehicle, to facilitate fastening of the seat belt. In extended state the belt buckle is more readily accessible and it is easier to insert the belt tongue. Both functions are activated when the doors are opened by passengers entering the rear of the vehicle.

- Minimised belt slack: After the belt has been inserted, the belt buckle returns to its original position. This reduces any belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax, and the belt fits correctly in the pelvis area.

- PRE-SAFE® function for rear occupants: Active seat-belt buckle is fully integrated in the vehicle's PRE-SAFE® system. Whenever PRE-SAFE® becomes active in critical driving situations or when a critical distance from other objects is detected, reversible belt tensioning is also effected in the rear via the active seat-belt buckle function. The restraint system and the passengers are thus better prepared for a possible accident system. In contrast to its extended position to facilitate fastening of the seat belt, the belt buckle is retracted by approx. 40 millimetres. This reversible function increases the belt tensioning on the occupant by up to 80 millimetres. In addition, the belt buckle branches off at a lower point at the occupant's hip. This reduces the risk of the pelvis pushing through under the belt. Securing the occupants more effectively in this way reduces the stress to which they are exposed in the event of an accident. Active seat-belt buckle is set to replace the pyrotechnic belt tensioning which has featured as standard in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for many years now. This pyrotechnic system is triggered in the event of actual impact.

- POST-SAFE functionality: To facilitate the rescue of occupants and to assist rescue personnel or the occupants themselves in unbuckling the seat belts, the belt buckle is extended once again as soon as the doors are opened by rescue personnel or the occupants themselves after the system has detected a crash and verified that the vehicle is stationary, provided that the on-board electrical system is intact. The raised belt buckle position allows better access from inside the vehicle, while illumination of the buckle draws attention to the belt's opening mechanism.

In keeping with Mercedes-Benz's integral safety concept, active seat-belt buckle covers all four areas of automotive safety – "Safe driving", "In the
event of danger", "In an accident" and "After an accident".

Virtual human model as an unconventional development tool

The Mercedes-Benz safety experts have developed active seat-belt buckle with the aid of virtual human models, which provide a clearer picture of what happens to a vehicle's occupants in an accident than crash-test dummies. These digital models simulate not only the human body's outer form, but also its internal structures, such as bones and soft tissue.

"All the crucial biological features of humans – joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones – can only be simulated in very rough terms with dummies," explains Dr Hakan Ipek, expert for virtual human models at Mercedes-Benz. "Some seated positions, such as when a rear passenger is dozing and the belt does not pass over the pelvis in the correct manner, simply cannot be recreated with a dummy," he adds by way of example.

With virtual human models, the biomechanical characteristics of the human body are simulated in detail on a computer, enabling examination of the stress to which the model is exposed in a virtual crash test.






Credits: Daimler AG

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