If parenthood came with a job description, ‘chauffeur’ would be one of the first items on the list. Every day, kids are ferried to and from school, sporting events and other extracurricular activities – not to mention play dates, birthday parties and dentist appointments. But for parents, these moments in the car can be some of the most cherished. Whether your kids are listening to the radio, chatting about their day or dozing off in the backseat, it’s an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some quality time.

The vehicle you drive can play a crucial role in how convenient and safe those journeys are. Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with extensive safety structures and systems, providing assurance and peace of mind that parents need. But there are plenty of other in-built features that are designed to make every trip with your kids – whether it’s a school drop-off or a grocery run – easier, comfortable and more enjoyable.

Here are the Mercedes-Benz features every parent will benefit from.

Space and practicality

No matter how small they are, kids require a lot of space – so don’t underestimate the importance of a roomy cabin. From the compact Mercedes-Benz A-Class to the dynamic proportions of the all new Mercedes-Benz GLC, all our vehicles come with spacious passenger seats, sizeable boots and lots of storage.

If your little ones like to invite their friends over after school, the seven-seat Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Benz GLB can both accommodate almost an entire basketball team. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and all-electric EQB both come with an optional third row of seats, allowing you to grow the total headcount from five to seven and keep stepping up in size as your family does the same.

Ample and reliable airbags

Though invisible to the naked eye, airbags are the first line of defence if the worst happens. Vehicles like the all new GLC are equipped with ten airbags, including full-length window airbags and front and rear side airbags. This covers all occupants in outboard seats and provides the maximum possible protection against impact.

Driving Assistance Package

When purchasing a vehicle for your family, this is a box that’s well worth ticking. Our Driving Assistance Packages^[2] bring a collection of critical safety assistances.

The GLE, for example, comes with Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist as standard. You also get Active Distance Assistance DISTRONIC, a cruise control system that adjusts based on the speed of preceding vehicles, plus the PRE-SAFE® PLUS^[3] accident anticipation system that prepares occupants for an imminent collision and minimises its severity.

Privacy glass

Models such as the all-electric EQA and EQB come with the standard privacy glass in the windows behind the B-pillar (the middle of the car). The darker tint makes it difficult for anyone outside to see in, and it also helps kids nap on the drive home – something many parents appreciate after a busy day.

As a bonus, privacy glass offers greater protection from direct sunlight and helps parked vehicles stay cooler for longer, which your kids will be especially grateful for when you’re on your way home from the beach.