As you would expect, the M-Class is fitted with two-stage front airbags, windowbags and front sidebags as standard, with rear sidebags available as an option. The airbags are deployed selectively, so that in the event of a side-on collision, only the airbags on the impact side are activated. In a frontal collision, the front airbags are deployed in two stages, depending on the severity of the impact.

If the front passenger seat is empty, the seat occupancy sensor prevents the front airbag and sidebag on the front passenger side from deploying. When a Mercedes-Benz child seat with transponder is fitted on the front passenger seat, the automatic child seat recognition prevents the front airbag from deploying. The belt tensioner and sidebag remain active for the safety of young passengers.

An additional roll-over sensor in the airbag control unit triggers all of the belt tensioners and both windowbags in certain roll-over situations.

In the event of a serious side-on collision, the windowbags and sidebags provide additional protection. The windowbag unfolds like an inflatable curtain between the A and C pillars, offering further protection to rear and front passengers.