The 2012 M-Class was deemed a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, meaning it received the top score of Good in front- and side-impact crash tests, as well as for roof strength and whiplash protection.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes and an electronic stability system, which are required on all new vehicles as of the 2012 model year. Also standard are front and rear side-impact and side curtain airbags, a knee airbag for the driver, and active front head restraints. Mercedes' standard Attention Assist system monitors driver behavior and issues a warning if it detects drowsiness, while Pre-Safe cinches the front seat belts, adjusts the front head restraints, and closes the sunroof and side windows if it senses an impending crash.

Safety options include front and rear parking sensors, a blind spot warning system, lane departure warning and prevention, collision warning and prevention with full braking capability, a backup camera, adaptive bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and adaptive high-beam headlights.

For a full list of safety features, check out the Features & Specs page.