2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s Rear Frontal Airbags Catch Your Head

As the flagship for the Mercedes-Benz brand, the S-Class has historically launched with Daimler’s latest technology and previewed things to come from the German manufacturer. The next-gen 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will continue that tradition with an array of available safety technologies intended to advance the state of the art. Mercedes outlined a few of those features ahead of the 2021 S-Class’s full unveiling in the coming months. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to see.

Tubular Rear Airbags

The new S-Class will offer rear passenger airbags that deploy from the back of the front seats. The airbag’s unique tubular structure allows it to wrap around the occupant’s head, while the material between the tubes inflates just the right amount to catch and cushion said noggin. Mercedes says its design allows for quick deployment of a relatively high-volume airbag with less risk of injury to the passenger.

Pre-Safe Side Collision Mitigation

If the new S-Class’s sensors determine a side impact is imminent, the E-Active Body Control adaptive suspension system automatically raises the entire body up to three inches to redirect energy from the crash into the more robust lower structure of the car. This all happens “within a few tenths of a second,” according to Mercedes. The current-generation S-class features similar technology that raised one side of the body.

Rear Steering

The 2021 Mercedes S-Class will continue to serve as the limousine of the lineup, but despite its long wheelbase, the new S-Class is said to have the agility of a smaller car thanks to an optional rear-axle steering system. Customers will be able to choose between 4.5 degrees and 10 degrees of rear steering angle. With the latter, the 2021 S-Class has a seven-foot tighter turning circle than the outgoing model, at less than 36 feet.zz

Active Blind Spot Assist

When exiting the vehicle, the new Mercedes S-Class will be able to warn you of a car or cyclist approaching from the rear as you’re reaching for the door handle. The warning illuminates in the instrument cluster screen, lights up the blind-spot monitor triangle in the side mirror, and pulses the ambient lighting.

Active Parking Assist

With a total of 12 ultrasonic sensors front and rear, the 2021 Mercedes S-Class is easier to maneuver into tight spaces. Additionally, a 360-degree camera system, integrating four cameras for a three-dimensional view, will be standard.

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