"The well-proven tridion cell forms the basis for the high crash safety of the new smart. It ensures efficient energy absorption, for example in a frontal impact. To this end, the crumple zones of the new smart have been made as large as possible. Homogeneous application of force in the structure is achieved with several load paths," explains Professor Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Vehicle Safety at Mercedes-Benz Cars, describing the good crash result. "The high proportion of ultra-high-strength steels ensures high stability for the passenger cell. In addition, the further developed airbags and seat belts offer maximum occupant protection, for example with a knee airbag for the driver as a standard feature."

In line with the "real-life safety" philosophy Mercedes-Benz has been testing the compatibility of different vehicles in such car-to-car crash tests for many years. Small and lightweight vehicles are generally at a disadvantage with regard to the mass ratio. For example, in an accident with a heavier vehicle this can lead to higher deceleration and greater application of force on the occupants.

This is why Mercedes-Benz generally designs the body structure of large vehicles so that they can also reduce the load for small vehicles involved in an accident, without reducing the protection for their own occupants. Schöneburg says: "The S-Class therefore also greatly contributes to the good result in this car-to-car accident."