Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking during braking. Speed sensors continuously monitor the speed of each wheel. If a wheel is on the point of locking up, the brake pressure at that wheel is immediately reduced. When the danger of locking has been averted, the pressure is then reapplied. In this way ABS keeps the van steerable even during emergency braking. When ABS is in operation, the driver feels a slight pulsing in the brake pedal.
Driver and co-driver airbags
A full-size driver airbag and a standard or double-sized co-driver airbag are key components of the passive safety system in Mercedes-Benz vans. They provide enhanced protection for the belted occupants and act as a supplementary restraint system.
Note: Airbags in no way diminish the need for occupants to fasten their seat belts correctly at all times.
Air conditioning and ventilation system
Research shows that a pleasant climate inside the vehicle contributes to improved safety: if the driver feels comfortable at the wheel, he will find it easier to concentrate and his reactions will be improved. All Mercedes-Benz Vans are equipped with an efficient heating and ventilation system which supplies ample fresh air and creates a pleasant level of warmth quickly in winter. In summer, meanwhile, thermostatically controlled air conditioning systems, available in various versions, perform a valuable service by keeping the driver fit and alert at all times.
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive gives added torque and traction on difficult surfaces as well as improving trackholding and stability – for example when moving off from rest, accelerating or cornering in wet or icy conditions, on poor road surfaces, snow, leaves, or when towing a trailer. Mercedes-Benz Vans can be supplied with full-time or driver-selectable all-wheel drive, a low transfer case range and differential locks.
Acceleration skid control (ASR)
ASR, like ABS, EBD and BAS, is part of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®). At the first signs of wheel spin, that is to say if the rotational speed of one of the drive wheels suddenly increases, ASR intervenes in the engine management to reduce engine power, and also in the brake system, to prevent wheel spin. ASR ensures smooth start-off and acceleration, without wheel spin or sideways drift. The result is improved traction – and safety – particularly on split-friction or slippery surfaces.
Brake Assist (BAS)
In tests carried out in the driving simulator, our research engineers established that drivers do not apply the brakes vigorously enough during emergency braking. This finding led them to develop the Brake Assist system. From the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed, Brake Assist is able to detect a situation where emergency braking is required. In such a situation the system automatically increases braking power, aided by the anti-lock braking system (ABS) which prevents the wheels from locking up.
High-strength body construction
High structural strength is a central component of passive safety. The rigorous internal approval tests to which Mercedes-Benz Vans are subjected result in impressive performance in a wide variety of crash tests. All versions are optimised for strength, stiffness, and torsional and flexural rigidity. And in order to provide improve protection for occupants of other vehicles too, the front-end structure is designed to absorb large amounts of kinetic energy in a crash.
CARGO
The CARGO equipment package is designed for the secure restraint of loads. It includes a wooden load compartment floor with integrated floor rail system, as well as a special sidewall restraint system that includes a tie-down set with eyelets, restraint and ratchet belts.
COMAND operating and display system
The COMAND system integrates a variety of functions such as the radio, CD player and telephone into a single, compact unit with a clearly organised, video-capable colour display. The “COMAND APS ” version also incorporates the navigation system. A 32-bit processor controls the system and manages the various programmes. Certain important COMAND functions can be operated from the multifunction steering wheel. The relevant information appears both in the COMAND display itself and also in the central display unit in the instrument cluster, where it can be easily read by the driver.
Note: Concentrating on the road and surrounding traffic always takes priority over operating accessories such as the telephone or navigation system!
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