Mercedes plays it ultra-safe

Mercedes-Benz has long been regarded as something of a safety pioneer, and the German marque is now on the brink of unveiling an all-new rolling showcase for its latest safety innovations.

Based on the S400 Hybrid -- and due to be officially unveiled next week -- the ESF 2009 concept debuts a host of cutting-edge tech that's eventually destined to filter down to showroom-ready models.

Among the concept's highlights is a next-gen PreSafe system that boosts occupant protection in side and rear crashes (the current version of this tech detects imminent frontal collisions and automatically applies the brakes, tightens the seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof).

Part of the new Pre-Safe arsenal is an 'inflatable metal' side-impact protection system comprising hollow side impact tubes that instantly inflate with pressurised gas (for added cushioning) if on-board sensors detect an imminent lateral collision.

That's not all, though, as a 'Pre-Safe Pulse' feature uses active seat bolsters to shift front-seat occupants (by up to 50mm) towards the centre of the car to limit the consequences of side impacts. There's also an airbag that deploys above the centre console to prevent head-banging episodes between the front-seat dwellers.

Another example of thinking outside the square is an auxiliary brake fitted into the floor of the car.

This 'braking bag' inflates if a crash is imminent, helping generate up to 2g of braking force, as well as lifting the front of the car by up to 80mm to compensate for the dive that occurs under heavy braking.

Other safety features include reflective tyres, full emergency braking and an airbag fitted into the seatbelt that reduces the load on the chest.

However, as innovative and potentially life-saving as these safety features are, Mercedes admits most of them are only at the prototype stage, which means it could be some years before they become a production reality.

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