 | | With more than 100 crash tests performed on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which includes the demanding in-house impact tests, the C-Class meets the highest accolade in automobile safety – the Mercedes star. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even further and improved energy flows. Hence, the front-end structure of the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class has four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area, while bypassing the passenger cell.
Complementing this safety technology is the very latest protection systems of six airbags, which are included as standard equipment. There are two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A to the C-pillar reducing the risk of head injuries during a side impact. As part of the standard equipment list, the driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters. Additionally, the standard head restraints operate on the NECK PRO principle whereby during a rear-end collision, the padded surfaces are pushed forward and upward within milliseconds to support the heads of the driver and front passenger at the point of impact. This significantly reduces the risk of a whiplash injury.
PRE-SAFE® is another special feature of new Mercedes saloons and the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is the first model which is equipped with this feature. This preventive occupant protection system is linked to active safety systems such as ESP® and Brake Assist, and is able to recognise critical driving manoeuvres at a very early stage. If the new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is in danger of crashing as a result of heavy under or over steering, or if the driver needs to brake very heavily in a dangerous situation, PRE-SAFE® activates certain systems as a precaution to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for an impending accident.
The new Mercedes-Benz C 230 AVANTGARDE is also fitted with ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, which is another new development in the area of running gear technology. The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class technology and provides additional support functions for even more safety and comfort. Some of the ADAPTIVE BRAKE examples include Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions. |
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