The Mercedes-Benz Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF 2019) is a semi-autonomous GLE crossover powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system. It also boasts innovative safety features inside, and an exterior that can warn fellow drivers of potential hazards. In many ways, the vehicle serves as a preview of what’s to come from Mercedes and is as of right now on display at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ESF 2019 comes with over a dozen innovations aimed at protecting not just occupants, but other drivers too.

For example, when the vehicle is in fully-automated mode, the steering wheel (smaller and futuristic) and pedals are retracted in order to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an impact. Attention was also given to the restraints and airbags, which now feature alternative installation spaces (driver airbag is in the dashboard, integral sidebag in the side bolsters of the seat backrests).


Other interesting tech features include a revolutionary headlight technology called Digital Light, with a dazzle-free HD quality high beam and a resolution of more than two million pixels. The car also boasts a Pre-Safe Child system, where the seat belt is preventively tensioned and side-mounted impact protection elements are extended before a crash.

Still not impressed? Well, how about a small robot that automatically emerges from the SUV’s rear section after a crash, positioning itself as at the road side as a warning triangle. So in a way, ESF 2019 comes with its own little Transformer.


Also impressive are the Pre-Safe functions, rear airbag with its new inflation concept and the Active Brake Assist. The first uses a belt tensioner to warn the driver that they might have underestimated an approaching bend (Pre-Safe Curve), while the Pre-Safe Side Lights with electro-luminescent paint can “defuse potentially hazardous situations.” Aside from the new rear airbag, rear seat passengers also get belt-feeders, belt buckle illumination, USB belt buckles and belt heating.

Over the years, Mercedes have built over 30 experimental vehicles, four of which have since been presented to the public: ESF 5, ESF 13 (both based on the W114), ESF 22 and ESF 24 (both based on the W116 S-Class).


The direct predecessor to the ESF 2019 was the ESF 2009, which debuted numerous innovations that have since made it into production, among them the beltbag, Pre-Safe Impulse Side and Active High Beam Assist Plus.