Mercedes adds Inflatable Seat Belts for Rear Passengers

Mercedes will become the second automaker to equip its cars with inflatable seat belts, likely in the S-Class sedan, which will go into production next year.

Calling it the “Beltbag,” the inflatable seatbelt blows up in the event of a crash to distribute the force across a wider portion of the passenger’s torso to lessen the risk of injury.

Ford was the first brand to offer such a system, introducing it in the 2011 Explorer’s rear seats. Now, it’s also available in the Flex and Lincoln MKT.

The belt fits just like a conventional seatbelt, but won’t be offered in the front seats because passengers are already surrounded by airbags.