Advanced Safety Technology in New Mercedes-Benz Vehicles: Centre Airbags, Active Steering Assist, and Regenerative Braking

Modern safety engineering extends far beyond traditional protection systems. Mercedes-Benz continues to advance occupant safety and driver assistance through three key innovations now available across the current lineup: centre airbags that protect occupants during side impacts, Active Steering Assist that supports lane-keeping on highways and city streets, and regenerative braking systems that enhance both efficiency and control. These technologies protect occupants while supporting confident, composed driving in Quebec's varied road conditions.

For drivers in Mirabel and throughout Quebec evaluating their next vehicle, understanding how these systems work together provides valuable insight into the comprehensive safety approach Mercedes-Benz brings to every model. From the compact GLA to the capable GLE, these features form part of an integrated safety philosophy designed for real-world protection.

At a Glance: Key Safety Innovations

Centre Airbag Technology: Enhanced Side-Impact Protection

The centre airbag advances side-impact occupant protection. Positioned to deploy between the driver and front passenger during serious side collisions, this airbag addresses a specific risk: occupant-to-occupant contact when impact forces push both front seat occupants towards the centre of the vehicle.

Standard across the 2025 Mercedes-Benz lineup, the centre airbag works in coordination with existing side airbags and window curtain airbags. During a severe side impact, the system can activate multiple airbags simultaneously:

• Side airbags cover the thorax area, protecting the chest and torso
• Window airbags extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, covering front and rear side windows
• Centre airbag deploys between front occupants to reduce contact risk

This multi-layered approach provides comprehensive protection tailored to the specific collision forces detected by the vehicle's crash sensors. The 2025 E-Class, GLE 350 4MATIC, and AMG models all include this technology as part of their standard safety equipment, with pyrotechnic belt tensioners and force limiters on all outer seats working together with the airbag system.

For families in Quebec, this technology offers reassurance that protection extends beyond the driver to all front-seat occupants, regardless of seating position.

Active Steering Assist: Lane-Keeping Support for Highway and City Driving

Active Steering Assist provides moderate steering intervention to help drivers maintain their lane position during highway cruising and city driving. Available as standard equipment on many 2025 models and optional on others, this system uses camera-based lane detection to monitor road markings and assist with lane-keeping at speeds up to 160 km/h.

The system operates through gentle steering corrections rather than autonomous control. Drivers remain fully responsible for steering, but Active Steering Assist can help reduce fatigue during long highway stretches between Montreal and Quebec City or on extended rural routes common throughout the province.

How Active Steering Assist Works:

• Camera monitors lane markings ahead of the vehicle
• System provides moderate steering intervention to help maintain centre of lane
• Can automatically resume after traffic stops in city traffic and on country roads
• If lane markings become unclear and system is no longer available, steering wheel vibrations alert the driver
• Works in combination with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC on equipped vehicles

The 2025 G-Class and E-Class include Active Steering Assist as part of their driver assistance packages. On the G 580 with EQ Technology, the system integrates with the 360-degree camera for enhanced lane detection capability. The 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE offers it as an optional feature within the Driving Assistance Package.

For drivers navigating Quebec's mix of well-maintained autoroutes and rural highways with variable road conditions, Active Steering Assist provides an extra layer of support without removing driver control or responsibility.

Regenerative Braking: Efficiency and Refined Control

Regenerative braking systems in Mercedes-Benz electric and hybrid models convert kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration, extending electric driving range while providing smooth, consistent brake pedal feel. This technology optimizes energy recovery without compromising safety or driver confidence.

The latest Mercedes-Benz regenerative braking systems offer multiple recuperation levels, allowing drivers to select their preferred balance between maximum energy recovery and traditional coasting behaviour:

Recuperation Levels Available:

• D Auto: Intelligent recuperation adjusts automatically based on driving situation and traffic ahead
• D+: No recuperation; vehicle coasts freely for maximum momentum
• D: Standard recuperation up to 1 m/s² deceleration
• D-: Enhanced recuperation up to 3 m/s² deceleration (one-pedal driving capability)

The 2025 G 580 with EQ Technology offers five recuperation levels using steering wheel shift paddles, including a "DAuto" mode in which the ECO Assistant indicates when to lift off the accelerator for optimal energy recovery. The upcoming 2027 electric GLC features a new One-Box braking system with recuperation power up to 300 kW, allowing the vehicle to brake electrically to a standstill in over 99 per cent of everyday driving situations.

For hybrid models like the 2025 GLC 350e, regenerative braking works with the conventional braking system. The system calculates the maximum recuperation possible for each brake application, minimizing use of the wheel brakes and maximizing energy fed back to the battery.

This technology proves particularly valuable during Quebec winters, when frequent speed adjustments on snow-covered roads benefit from smooth, progressive deceleration. The consistent brake pedal feel—whether braking occurs through regeneration or wheel brakes—provides confidence in variable traction conditions.

Integrated Safety Philosophy: How These Systems Work Together

These three technologies address different aspects of Mercedes-Benz's comprehensive safety approach. Centre airbags provide passive protection during collisions. Active Steering Assist offers active support to help prevent lane departures. Regenerative braking delivers both efficiency and refined control during normal driving.

Together, they form part of a larger safety ecosystem that includes:

• Advanced crash sensors and monitoring systems
• PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection
• Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitoring
• Parking assistance systems with 360-degree cameras

The 2025 E-Class exemplifies this integrated approach, combining centre airbags with Active Steering Assist, regenerative braking (on hybrid models), and a full suite of driver assistance features. The system's coordination ensures that safety support remains present throughout every phase of driving—from departure to arrival.

Which Mercedes-Benz Models Feature These Technologies?

Centre airbags are now standard across the 2025 Mercedes-Benz lineup, from the compact GLA 250 4MATIC to the flagship AMG models. This universal availability ensures all drivers benefit from enhanced side-impact protection regardless of model choice.

Active Steering Assist availability varies by model and trim:

• Standard: E-Class, G-Class (with Driver Assistance Package)
• Optional: GLC models, AMG performance variants (within Driving Assistance packages)
• Integrated with DISTRONIC: Available on models equipped with adaptive cruise control

Regenerative braking systems are standard on all Mercedes-Benz electric and plug-in hybrid models, including:

• All-electric: EQE, EQS, G 580 with EQ Technology, upcoming 2026 CLA and 2027 electric GLC
• Plug-in hybrid: GLC 350e, AMG E 53 HYBRID models, C-Class plug-in variants

For drivers comparing models, these technologies provide consistent safety and efficiency advantages across the Mercedes-Benz range, with specific implementation details varying based on powertrain and model positioning.

Experience Mercedes-Benz Safety Innovation at Mercedes-Benz Blainville

The integration of centre airbags, Active Steering Assist, and regenerative braking demonstrates Mercedes-Benz's ongoing focus on occupant protection, driver support, and refined vehicle control. These technologies work together to provide comprehensive safety coverage tailored to real-world driving conditions in Quebec.

Schedule your private demonstration at Mercedes-Benz Blainville in Mirabel to experience how these advanced safety systems perform on Quebec roads. Our team can provide detailed explanations of how each technology operates and help you identify which models best align with your safety priorities and driving requirements.