Occupant protection covers all measures that reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Particular value was placed on this aspect during the development of the E-Class Cabriolet. For example, the vehicle body is largely made of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, and the passenger compartment has been optimised in the floor and sides specifically for the requirements of a Cabrio. The particularly stable roof frame structure is reinforced, while bars have been added to the A-pillars. The high torsional resistance and targeted lightweight construction form the basis for outstanding driving dynamics. In addition, a range of innovative safety systems help protect occupants from injury.

These include the standard-issue NECK-PRO head restraints for the front occupants, which thanks to sensors can deploy in the event of a rear-end collision, reducing the distance between head and restraint. This provides more timely support for the front occupants’ heads, thus significantly reducing the risk of whiplash injuries. The E-Class Cabriolet is equipped with front airbags, sidebags and headbags in front as standard. The driver also has a kneebag. Sidebags are also available for the rear.

In order to ensure the best possible safety when driving with the top down, a roll-over protection system has been integrated into the rear head restraints that deploys the rollover bars the instant the airbag sensors register a crash.

The standard active bonnet is a safety feature for the protection for other road users and helps reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. If a collision is detected, the rear section of the active bonnet rises up by five centimetres using spring force. This can produce additional deformation space to absorb the impact and can prevent serious head and spinal injuries.