A method for carrying out a driver-independent braking maneuver of a motor vehicle includes ascertaining a reference trajectory of the motor vehicle, ascertaining a lateral guidance force variable representing the lateral guidance force necessary for guidance of the motor vehicle on the reference trajectory, ascertaining, as a function of the lateral guidance force variable, a longitudinal force variable representing the maximum longitudinal force transferable in a longitudinal vehicle direction, and, based on the longitudinal force variable and driver-independently, establishing a braking force variable representing the braking force of the motor vehicle.