Problem: Getting out of an overturned Mercedes SLS AMG. Solution: Explosives.

It's one of the jobs of an engineer to think of every possible thing that could go wrong with their creations – whether it be a 100-storey skyscraper or a can opener.

That's why Mercedes' boffins have been crashing their SLS AMG and placing it in a number of precarious positions to determine if it is a safe as they want it to be.

A video of two of the crash tests shows how carefully-constructed the vehicle's safety cell is, with the long front of the car absorbing the collision energy and preventing the intrusion of the engine or other debris into the cabin.

The engineers also considered what would happen if the car ended up resting on its roof. It's usually not a mind-bender for most vehicle designs as long as the A, B and C pillars remain sturdy and keep the roof integrity intact.

The SLS AMG, however, has gullwing doors, which simply will not operate normally when the vehicle is upside down. Mercedes brought in a solution inspired by fighter jets and spacecraft – explosive fastenings on the doors.

Once the car has been upside-down for a pre-determined amount of time, a computer system arms the charges. Then a simple yank on the door handle - from either inside or outside the vehicle – activates the charges that blow off the doors. Voila, one door-free Mercedes.

When this happens there's not as much smoke and flame as we would like, but this is a safety feature and not a special effects stunt, so we'll settle for a display of innovative technology.

Here, have a BMW Here's a story that illustrates the ironic fact that some rich people don't buy their cars.

The exploding Mercedes Problem: Getting out of an overturned Mercedes SLS AMG. Solution: Explosives. [Video]

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