PRE-SAFE® can prepare the vehicle particularly well for an impending collision. It can make effective use of the invaluable seconds just before an accident happens. The sensors at the heart of the ESP® and BAS systems detect critical driving situations such as heavy oversteer or understeer, critical steering movements, panic braking and emergency stops. This information is evaluated by the PRE-SAFE® electronics, enabling the system to initiate measures to protect the occupants in response to typical danger situations.

The PRE-SAFE® system fitted to the CL now also uses input from the DISTRONIC PLUS environment-sensing system, helping it to identify critical situations even more effectively.

If a danger is detected, the front side windows and the tilting/sliding sunroof can be closed, the front passenger seat moved into a more favourable position and the air chambers in the side bolsters of the multicontour seats or dynamic multicontour seats can be inflated. Seat inflation positions the occupants in an upright position so they can follow the movement of the vehicle more smoothly. The PRE-SAFE® brake system can also provide assistance. If a collision risk is detected, the driver receives an audible, visual and tactile warning in order to reduce the impact speed and, therefore, the severity of the accident.