The new Mercedes-Benz GLK 2012: Passive safety - Exemplary security as standard

Don't Copy From This Blog...

The revamped GLK-Class incorporates the integral safety concept in keeping with Mercedes-Benz's brand philosophy, which is based first and foremost on real accident scenarios. The GLK's highly robust occupant cell provides an effective basis for the occupant protection systems in conjunction with the front and rear deformation zones.

In developing the active and passive safety of the new GLK, Mercedes-Benz has drawn on the findings of its in-house accident-research activities, which began over 60 years ago and continue to play an instrumental role in the ongoing evolution of automotive safety. This fund of knowledge is complemented by the latest findings from real accident scenarios, detailed simulations and extensive test series. The sum total of all this knowledge is incorporated into the development process and applied in concrete protection measures.

The holistic approach which is pursued in the interest of a high standard of safety is manifested in particular in the integral safety concept, which Mercedes-Benz has also realised for the new GLK. Beyond mere compliance with crash test regulations, this pioneering safety philosophy focuses on all aspects of driving which are of importance to the safety of the occupants and other road users. The Mercedes safety concept divides these aspects into four phases:

1. Safe driving: avoiding danger, warning and assisting in good time
2. In case of danger: acting in an anticipatory manner with PRE-SAFE®
3. In an accident: appropriate protection
4. After an accident: mitigation of consequences, swift assistance

The GLK comes with the following standard-fit items of equipment to protect its occupants:
- Airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for driver, pelvis bags for driver and front passenger, sidebags for driver and front passenger, windowbags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers

- Seat occupancy recognition for front passenger seat

- Crash-responsive pedals

- ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear and Top Tether attachment points on the rear of the rear seat backrest

- 5 head restraints, height- and tilt-adjustable for driver, front passenger and in the rear, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger

- 3-point seat belts including mechanical belt height adjustment and belt force limiter for driver and front passenger plus automatic belt height adjustment on the outer rear seats, belt status display for rear seats in the instrument cluster

- Pedestrian protection with active bonnet

Sidebags are optionally available for the rear passengers.

Mercedes to the rescue: Mercedes-Benz emergency call system "MB eCall"

When the new GLK is fitted with COMAND Online, the eCall automatic emergency call system from Mercedes-Benz is on board automatically. After a serious accident the rescue services can be notified automatically and are provided with comprehensive information within a matter of minutes, including details such as the accident location or the vehicle model. How it works: if airbags or belt tensioners are activated in a crash and COMAND Online is connected to a mobile phone, eCall will relay the vehicle's exact GPS position and its identification number (VIN). This information is sent via SMS to the Communication Center's emergency call and service office, with the position data also being transmitted using the DTMF method (dual-tone multi-frequency). Even if the occupants are unconscious or unsure of where they are because they are on a business trip, for example, the emergency services alerted by the Communication Center will be notified quickly, receiving accurate information.

The vehicle will also quickly establish a voice connection with the Communication Center. Communication takes place not in the language of the country in which the vehicle is located, but in the language which the driver has set for COMAND Online. It is also possible to make an emergency call manually because "Mercedes-Benz emergency call" is always the first entry in the phone book. eCall will be introduced in several stages: on 1 June 2012 the automatic emergency call system will be introduced in nine European countries – Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. A further 19 countries will be added at the end of 2012. All Mercedes models which are launched after 1 June 2012 will offer the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system in combination with COMAND Online. Apart from possible mobile phone charges, Mercedes customers will not incur any costs for the Mercedes-Benz eCall system.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.