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This result is confirmation that the C-Class safety concept performs extremely well in standardised rating crash tests. With seven airbags, seatbelt tensioners, belt-force limiters and NECK PRO crash-responsive head restraints fitted as standard, the Saloon offers its occupants a high level of protection should an accident occur.

The body structure has been designed to ensure that, in the event of a frontal collision, the impact forces are distributed over a wide area and on four independently acting impact levels.

Around 70 per cent of all the bodywork panels are made from high-strength steel alloys that minimise weight and maximise safety. These steel grades also play a key role in protecting the occupants in the event of a side impact. The quadruple-skinned B-pillars and the side members, which absorb the bulk of any side-impact forces and channel these forces into the body structure, are made partially from ultra-high-strength, hot-formed high-tech steel. 

Mercedes safety systems place the emphasis firmly on accident avoidance and anticipatory occupant protection. Standard-fit systems such as ESP® and Brake Assist aid drivers at critical moments and help them to remain fully in control should a dangerous situation arise.

Accident statistics show that the number of accidents caused by skidding and head-to-tail collisions with serious consequences is reduced significantly if these technologies are on board. In addition, Brake Assist also helps to reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians.

The C-Class is the only car in its market segment to feature an anticipatory occupant protection system in the shape of PRE-SAFE®. Standard on all UK C-Class Saloons, this innovation uses the time between detection of a potential accident situation and a possible collision to initiate preventive protective measures, thus reducing the loads exerted on the occupants in the event of an accident by up to 40 per cent.