Five stars for all-new M-Class

"Having been highly successful in numerous safety tests covering all vehicle categories all over the world, Mercedes-Benz has now once again proved that, really, one star on the car is all it takes for a top rating," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Dubai.

In the American version of the NCAP test the vehicles are subjected to a front-end crash at 56 km/h against a rigid wall. The SINCAP test (Side Impact New Car Assessment Program) specifies an impact by a 1368-kilogram deformable barrier against the side of the car on a level with the front-seat occupants at 62 km/h.

The Mercedes off-roader sets new standards particularly with regard to passive safety. The unitised body with its high-strength passenger compartment and generous deformation zones front and rear provides the basic foundation for outstanding occupant protection. Adaptive two-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags, windowbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters are all standard specification.

One unique new feature in the SUV segment is the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system. In critical driving situations where an accident threatens, the system cuts in like an athlete's reflexes, preparing the occupants and the vehicle for a potential collision. As a precaution, PRE-SAFE® tensions both front seat belts, moves the electrically adjustable front passenger seat to a safer position and, if a roll-over appears imminent, also closes the sunroof.