The 2013 Mercedes-benz C-Class, a luxury vehicle redesigned in 2008, underwent rigorous crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This analysis delves into the safety performance of the 2013 C-Class, focusing on key crashworthiness aspects and preventative safety features. It’s important to note that Mercedes-Benz enhanced the C-Class over the years, including the addition of a driver’s knee airbag in 2010 and reprogramming the side curtain airbags for improved small overlap frontal crash protection in models built after December 2012.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test evaluates vehicle safety when the front corner of the car collides with a narrow object like a tree or pole. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a “Marginal” overall rating in this challenging test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap front: driver-side | Marginal (M) |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor (P) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Poor (P) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Two small overlap tests were conducted: one on a 2012 model and another on a 2013 model manufactured after December 2012, which included the side curtain airbag reprogramming. While the side curtain airbag deployed correctly in the 2013 model test, unlike the 2012 test, the structural rating remained “Poor” based on both tests due to no structural changes.
Significant footwell intrusion was observed in both tests, leading to a high risk of injury to the driver’s lower left leg and a considerable risk to the right lower leg. In both scenarios, the dummy’s right foot was trapped by intruding structure and the brake pedal due to the left front wheel being forced rearward and inward upon impact.
Despite the structural deficiencies, the airbags performed effectively in the second test (2013 model). The frontal and side curtain airbags worked in conjunction to protect the head from impacting rigid structures or external objects, achieving “Good” ratings for head/neck and chest injury measures.
However, the extensive footwell intrusion in both tests resulted in “Poor” lower leg/foot injury measures, indicating a critical area of weakness in small overlap crashes.
Technical Measurements – Small Overlap Front (Driver-Side)
| Measurement | 2012 Model (CEN1211) | 2013 Model (CEN1327) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max Intrusion (cm) | 9 | 12 |
| Footrest Intrusion (cm) | 32 | 50 |
| Left Toepan Intrusion (cm) | 24 | 29 |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion (cm) | 21 | 22 |
| Parking Brake Intrusion (cm) | 14 | 20 |
| Steering Column Intrusion (cm) | 4 | 4 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max Intrusion (cm) | 9 | 11 |
| Upper Dash Intrusion (cm) | 11 | 10 |
| Lower Instrument Panel Intrusion (cm) | 11 | 11 |
Driver Injury Measures – Small Overlap Front (Driver-Side) – 2013 Model (CEN1327)
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 248 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 9 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 20 |
| Left Femur Force (kN) | 4.9 |
| Right Femur Force (kN) | 3.2 |
| Left Tibia Index | 2.14 |
| Right Tibia Index | 1.13 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class achieved a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moderate overlap front: original test | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
This indicates robust protection in a more common type of frontal collision. The structure held up well (“Good” rating), and injury measures for the driver were all rated “Good” across head/neck, chest, and legs/feet.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest Intrusion | 1 |
| Left Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Center Footwell Intrusion | 2 |
| Right Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion | 3 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement (Left) | 1 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement (Right) | 3 |
| Steering Column Upward Movement | -4 |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement | -6 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 1 |
Driver Injury Measures – Moderate Overlap Front
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 173 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 8 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 32 |
| Left Femur Force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Right Femur Force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Left Tibia Index | 0.36 |
| Right Tibia Index | 0.50 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Test
The side impact test assesses protection in a T-bone style collision. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class again earned a “Good” overall rating in the side crash test, reflecting strong side impact protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Side: original test | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
All injury measures for both driver and rear passenger were rated “Good,” demonstrating comprehensive side impact protection. The side airbags, including front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso/pelvis airbags, effectively protected occupants.
Greasepaint on the dummy heads confirmed excellent head protection from the side airbags, preventing contact with hard structures.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-Pillar Intrusion to Driver Seat Centerline | -20.5 |
Driver Injury Measures – Side Impact
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 165 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 44 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 3.8 |
Passenger Injury Measures – Side Impact
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 155 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.6 |
Roof Strength
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class achieved a “Good” rating, with a strong strength-to-weight ratio of 5.36.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Roof strength | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 3,510 lbs |
| Peak force | 18,826 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.36 |
This indicates a robust roof structure capable of providing good occupant protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints and Seats
оценивает эффективность подголовников и сидений в предотвращении хлыстовых травм шеи при ударе сзади. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class equipped with power leather seats and Active Head Restraints (AHR) received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints and seats.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Head restraints & seats | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Both dynamic performance and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective whiplash protection.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 40 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 36 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.7 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 52 |
| Max Neck Shear Force (N) | 34 |
| Max Neck Tension (N) | 453 |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
For front crash prevention, the 2013-14 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with the optional Driver Assistance Package and Pre-Safe Brake system earned a “Superior” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle | Superior |
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| Speed Reduction in 12 mph test | 10 mph |
| Speed Reduction in 25 mph test | 13 mph |
This optional system effectively reduces speed in crash avoidance scenarios and includes a forward collision warning feature.
Conclusion
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class demonstrates a mixed bag of safety performance. While it excels in moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint tests, achieving “Good” ratings, it shows a significant weakness in the small overlap front crash test with a “Marginal” overall and “Poor” structural rating. However, models built after December 2012 benefit from improved side curtain airbag deployment in small overlap crashes. The availability of an optional “Superior” rated front crash prevention system further enhances the safety profile of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly models equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. Prospective buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the overall safety of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
