In the A-Class, a host of safety systems work in unison to help prevent accidents. However, should the worst come to the worst, occupant safety measures can come into play.

The high level of safety provided by the A-Class is also a question of form: it is based on the intelligent design of the crumple zone. In a head-on collision the engine and transmission can slide back along the slanted pedal floor, moving beneath the passenger compartment. This substantially reduces the risk of injury for the occupants of the car.

Standard equipment for the A-Class includes adaptive front airbags and head/thorax sidebags (larger sidebags which offer additional protection for the head) in the front. Windowbags are also available as an option (windowbags in conjunction with front sidebags replace the front head/thorax sidebags) and can provide a high level of safety in the event of a side-on collision. The optional rear sidebags provide additional protection and are deployed selectively. When the system recognises a side-on collision only the airbags on the impact side are activated.

If there is a rear impact, the front head restraints are moved forward so as to help prevent whiplash injuries. Here the distance between the occupant’s head and the head restraint is shortened in order to reduce whiplash of the head.

Automatic child seat recognition, which is available as an option, prevents the front airbag from deploying if a Mercedes-Benz child seat with transponder is fitted on the front passenger seat. Belt tensioners and head/thorax sidebags or windowbags remain active in order to protect the young seat occupant.