The 2019 Mercedes-benz Gle-class stands as a paragon of luxury SUVs, but how does it fare in terms of safety? This review delves into the side impact safety ratings of the 2019 GLE-Class, providing a detailed analysis based on rigorous testing standards. Understanding vehicle safety is paramount, and for discerning buyers considering the GLE-Class, these findings are crucial.
The safety assessment discussed here is applicable to Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class models from 2016 through 2019. It’s important to note that the GLE-Class is the successor to the M-Class, with the renaming occurring in 2016. The data presented is derived from tests conducted on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec, a model closely related to the GLE-Class in terms of structure and safety features.
Side impact evaluations were performed by Mercedes-Benz, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assigns ratings based on these tests. Two primary tests contribute to the side impact rating: one using a 2012 ML 550 V8 (equipped with standard rear side torso airbags) and a second using a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 (without optional rear side torso airbags). Crucially, the combined ratings from these tests are used because the presence, or absence, of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during the side impact simulations. It’s worth noting that standard side curtain airbags are in place to protect rear occupants in side impact scenarios. This is particularly relevant for larger vehicles like the GLE-Class, which, with its extended wheelbase (115 inches), experiences side impacts further away from the rear seating area.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class achieved a “Good” overall evaluation in side impact testing. This “Good” rating extends across various crucial aspects of the crash test, indicating robust occupant protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Technical Data: Intrusion and Injury Measures
To provide a deeper understanding, technical measurements from the side impact tests are essential. These measurements quantify the structural integrity and potential injury risks.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Test ID | VTS1115 | VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
| Note: Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
This data reveals minimal intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment, indicating a strong safety cage.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 64 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.47 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.9 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 16 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 125 |
These driver injury measures are all within acceptable limits, further supporting the “Good” rating.
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 81 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 5 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.61 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.26 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 31 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 59 |
Similarly, the rear passenger injury measures also indicate a good level of protection in side impact crashes.
Conclusion
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class demonstrates a strong “Good” rating for side impact safety. Based on tests and data derived from closely related models, the GLE-Class provides solid protection for both driver and rear passengers in the event of a side collision. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class stands out as a highly rated option.
