For the most part, cars sold today are very safe. Airbags and seatbelt tensioners, after all, are now standard on most models. But did you know that it was actually Mercedes-Benz which pioneered these safety features?
The New S-Class: World Premiere | Trailer
For the benefit of those unaware, Mercedes-Benz is a car maker with a lot of industry firsts under its name. By the 1980s, it had accumulated a ton of automotive engineering know-how to position itself as a cutting-edge company. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was actually the first car equipped with airbags and seatbelt tensioners to be sold to the public.
The 1972-1980 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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The Airbag
About 40 years ago in 1980, a limited number of S-Class sedans were given a driver’s airbag. The said car was the first to ever come with these two features, and it was an incredibly significant milestone for automotive safety.
Unlike the old airbag that was invented by Walter Linderer back in the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz’s airbag was able to rapidly inflate within milliseconds. This feature, of course, was unavailable during the time of Linderer. Suffice to say, it took a while for the development of sensors, as well as the means for rapid gas generation to make for an effective airbag.
The development of Mercedes-Benz's airbag involved lots of testing
After being previewed on the S-Class, the airbag was then adapted to more cars in 1981. Initially, it was available as an optional extra for the rest of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car lineup at the time. Come 1992, the driver’s airbag had become standard. It was then followed by the front passenger airbag in 1994.
Over the years, many more airbags were added to different positions inside a car. However, without the innovation brought about by the ingenuity of Mercedes-Benz’s engineers, things would have been more different.
>>> Related: How car airbags work, and how they keep you safe
The seatbelt tensioner
Another safety feature introduced by Mercedes-Benz was the seatbelt tensioner. It was introduced together with the driver’s airbag on the S-Class as well.
In fact, these two safety features were actually developed in parallel. They worked in tandem to form an effective restraint system to prevent an occupant from being hurled out of the car while preventing injuries that might be caused by the sudden stop.
To make this more effective, Mercedes-Benz designed the tensioner to use the same sensor signal as the driver’s airbag. When triggered, a propellant tightens the car’s three-point seat belt in an instant, while the airbag deploys.
The airbag working in tandem with the seatbelt tensioner
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Mercedes-Benz however didn’t stop improving these two aforementioned safety features. In 2002 the company came up with belt force limiters. It used an electronic tensioner, which worked in tandem with the propellant. This way, the electronic system allows the seat belt to be loosened again in the absence of a car collision.
Now in 2020, the new S-Class, which debuted recently, once again became the first car to come with the new rear airbag. It’s a new form of the old invention and it works by deploying for the rear seats. In the event of an accident, more specifically a head-on collision, these will help reduce whiplash and other injuries to the head and neck of rear passengers.
So, while Mercedes-Benz paved the way for better safety standards 40 years ago, the German marque continuously seeks new ways to take car safety to another level.
For more automotive news, car reviews, and car maintenance and buying tips, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 is a full-size luxury sedan that is regarded as the German marque's flagship model. It is available in the Philippines in one variant only and the Mercedes S-Class 2024 Philippines price is Php 17,890,000. Powering this vehicle is a 3.0-liter inline-6 gasoline engine equipped with a 48-volt EQ boost mild-hybrid system, producing 435 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. A 9G-TRONIC (9-speed automatic transmission) is used to send power to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Dimensions-wise, the S-Class is 5,320 mm long, 1,954 mm wide, and 1,503 mm high, with a wheelbase rated at 3,216 mm. In the local market, this German full-size luxury sedan goes up against the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Audi A8.
>>> New and used Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Launch
Initially introduced by the German brand in 1972 and has been a staple in the Mercedes line-up since. The current model launched by the Auto Nation Group, Inc. is the S 500 4MATIC Long AMG Line. It arrived on Philippine shores in September 2021.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 boasts of a timeless aesthetic that the nameplate is known for. Like its predecessors, the current version features elegant body lines and a prominent chrome grille with the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem that stands on the front and center of the hood. The grille is then flanked by LED headlamps.
For the Philippine market, the S 500 4MATIC Long AMG Line rides on a set of 21-inch AMG spoke alloy wheels. It also gets a panoramic sliding sunroof, sequential turn indicator lamps, power closing doors, and AMG body styling.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Interior
For the version available locally, the S-Class Philippines features soft-touch leather surfaces, a yacht-like front cabin, and a lounge-like rear cabin. All of its seats are clad in Nappa Leather, and the center console is decorated with a black crystal trim piece. The roof also comes with DINAMICA microfiber roof liners.
Speaking of the rear cabin, it features double sunblinds, electronically adjustable seats, fast-charging USB ports, and a mini-fridge, among others.
Technology & Safety Features
The dashboard of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 comes with a slew of tech and safety features starting with a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment display system. The infotainment system is capable of connectivity through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Aux-In. An added control feature for the driver is the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.
In terms of safety, the German brand equipped the S-Class with an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution, as well as front and rear parking sensors. Driver-assist features include Active stop-and-go assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind-spot Assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree-view camera, etc.
Platform & Chassis
The S-Class Philippines comes with an Airmatic suspension system that helps improve the ride. Stopping power comes from ventilated discs in the front and discs at the rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC Long AMG Line is a 3.0-liter inline-6 that's paired with a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. Combined, the said powertrain can generate up to 435 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed Direct Select automatic transmission.
Available colors for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are Anthracite Blue, Black, Designo Diamond Bright White, Emerald Green, Graphite Gray, High-tech Silver, Mojave Silver, Obsidian Black, Onyx Black, and Rubellite Red.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class may arguably be the most sophisticated as compared to rivals such as the Audi A8 2024 and BMW 7 Series, but it is also the most expensive.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 Price List
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 | Php 17,890,000 |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dynamic driving experience
- Luxurious interior theme
- Considered as the benchmark
Cons
- Cargo space is limited
- No diesel options
- The most expensive in its class
₱ 17,890,000
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