The valuable seconds just before an accident occurs can make the difference between an incident and catastrophe. PRE-SAFE® uses these seconds to great effect by detecting critical driving situations, such as heavy over/under steer, critical steering movements, panic braking and emergency stops.

At the heart of the PRE-SAFE system are ESP®, BAS PLUS. The PRE-SAFE® system evaluates the information and initiates preventive measures in typical critical situations in order to protect the vehicle occupants. The front passenger seat moves into a more "favourable" crash position, the side windows and sliding sunroof can be closed, and the front seat belts tightened using electric motors. In addition, the chambers in the side bolsters of the optional active multi-contour seats are filled with air, which improves lateral support in critical handling situations. This enables the side bags to deploy their full protection potential.

Support is also available from Brake Assist Plus (BAS Plus) and the optional PRE-SAFE® brake which warns the driver by means of audible and visual signals. During this phase, it automatically calculates the brake pressure required to avoid a collision. If a collision is unavoidable optimal brake pressure needed to reduce the impact speed and thus the severity of the collision is applied.