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

Standard equipment for the CLS includes two-stage front airbags, sidebags in the front and windowbags. Sidebags in the rear doors are available as an option.

In the event of a major side-on collision, the sidebags and windowbags on the impact side are deployed simultaneously. The windowbags deploy like an inflatable curtain between the A and C pillars, offering additional head protection for passengers in front and rear. The front airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of a possible frontal collision.

In addition, the restraint system is fitted with satellite sensors in the radiator area that can operate in conjunction with the crash sensor in the centre console to determine the strength of a frontal collision with even more precision and more rapidly.

All the seats are fitted with a 3-point seat belt and head restraint. The front seats feature crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. During a rear-end collision these can move forwards and up by sensor control, so potentially considerably reducing the whipping motion of the head.

Belt tensioners on the front and rear seats pull the seat belts taut against the body in the event of a frontal or rear-end collision. The belt force limiters (adaptive in the front) increase occupant safety in a frontal collision, since they can ensure that the tension is released in a controlled manner once a certain limit has been reached

An additional roll-over sensor in the airbag control unit triggers all of the belt tensioners and both windowbags in certain roll-over situations.