Passive safety comprises all measures designed to offer protection in an accident. Examples include the NECK-PRO head restraint, a standard feature on the front seats: when the sensor detects an impact from the rear, in a matter of a microseconds it thrusts the head restraint forwards by 44 mm and 30 mm upwards to reduce the gap between it and the occupant's head.

In addition, the S-Class is equipped with eight airbags, including two windowbags covering virtually the side window area. Extensive development work was invested in particular in the sensors system for sidebag and windowbag deployment.

In the S-Class air pressure sensors are employed which detect the air pressure change in the door caused by deformation. They then trigger the restraint systems within microseconds. This can further reducing the danger of injury of the vehicle occupants.