The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a luxury vehicle known for its performance and sophistication, underwent rigorous testing to ensure top-notch safety. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class, providing a detailed analysis of crash test results and safety features. Understanding these ratings is crucial for making informed decisions when considering a vehicle purchase, especially for safety-conscious buyers in the English-speaking market.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. This test is particularly demanding as it concentrates crash forces on a limited area, bypassing the main energy-absorbing structures.
Action shot of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class driver-side small overlap front crash test, demonstrating vehicle deformation and airbag deployment.
For the driver-side small overlap front test, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class demonstrated robust structural integrity, earning a “Good” rating in structure and safety cage. All driver injury measures – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – also received “Good” ratings, indicating a low risk of significant injuries in this type of collision.
However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated as “Acceptable.” While the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it rolled to the left due to excessive forward excursion allowed by the seat belt. The side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing adequate head protection from side structure and external objects.
Post-crash test view of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class driver’s side, showing the dummy’s position and maintained survival space, indicating good structural performance.
Technical measurements from the driver-side test reveal minimal occupant compartment intrusion. Key measurements include:
- Lower hinge pillar max: 5 cm
- Footrest: 10 cm
- Left toepan: 5 cm
- Brake pedal: 8 cm
- Steering column: 1 cm
- Upper hinge pillar max: 4 cm
Driver injury measures were also low, with a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 161 and low forces recorded in the neck, chest, femur, and tibia.
Close-up view of the dummy head movement during the driver-side small overlap front crash test of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class, highlighting airbag interaction.
Footwell area of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class after the driver-side small overlap front crash test, demonstrating maintained driver space and low risk of leg and foot injuries.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
The passenger-side small overlap front test assesses the vehicle’s ability to protect the front passenger in a similar collision scenario as the driver-side test.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 achieved a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Structure and safety cage integrity were rated “Good,” along with all passenger injury measures (head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, lower leg/foot) and passenger restraints & dummy kinematics. This indicates excellent protection for the front passenger in this type of crash. Driver injury measures and restraints were also rated “Good” in this passenger-side test, reflecting the overall structural soundness of the vehicle.
Technical measurements for passenger-side intrusion were slightly higher than the driver-side, but still within acceptable limits, demonstrating balanced protection across the front cabin.
Passenger injury measures were also minimal, with a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 109 and low injury readings across all body regions. Driver injury measures recorded were even lower in this test, with a HIC-15 of just 68.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
The moderate overlap front crash test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front impacting a deformable barrier. This test represents a significant portion of real-world frontal collisions.
The 2019 Mercedes C-Class earned a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front crash test. The structure and safety cage maintained their integrity, and all driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot) were rated “Good.” Driver restraints and dummy kinematics also received a “Good” rating, indicating optimal performance of the safety systems in this common crash scenario.
Technical measurements showed minimal footwell intrusion and instrument panel movement, further confirming the structural robustness of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class in frontal impacts. Driver injury measures remained low, with a HIC-15 of 148 and low forces recorded across the body.
Side Impact Crash Test
Side impact collisions are particularly dangerous due to the reduced protection offered by the vehicle structure in these areas. The side impact test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class achieved a “Good” overall rating in the side impact test. Structure and safety cage, driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg), driver head protection, rear passenger injury measures, and rear passenger head protection all received “Good” ratings. This comprehensive “Good” performance demonstrates exceptional side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Technical measurements indicated minimal B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment. Driver and passenger injury measures were low across all body regions, with a HIC-15 of 228 for the driver and 225 for the rear passenger, both well within safe limits.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash, a critical aspect of occupant protection.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned a “Good” rating in roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 7.00, the roof demonstrated significant resistance, exceeding the minimum requirement for a “Good” rating and indicating strong rollover protection.
Head Restraints and Seats
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The head restraints and seats evaluation assesses the effectiveness of these components in mitigating whiplash risk.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with power leather seats received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints & seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Technical measurements confirmed optimal seat geometry and low neck forces during simulated rear-impact scenarios.
Headlight Evaluations
Effective headlights are crucial for nighttime driving safety. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare. The 2019 Mercedes C-Class headlight ratings vary depending on trim and package options.
Adaptive High Beam Assist Package
The C300 trim equipped with the Adaptive High Beam Assist package received a “Good” overall headlight rating. These LED reflector headlights with curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist provided good visibility on straightaways and curves, with only some glare noted in low beams.
Standard Headlights
The standard C300 trim headlights, also LED reflectors but without curve-adaptive or high-beam assist, received an “Acceptable” overall rating. While providing good straightaway visibility, curve visibility was rated as fair, and some glare was observed.
Exterior Lighting Package
The C300 trim with the Exterior Lighting package, featuring LED projector headlights with curve-adaptive and high-beam assist, also received an “Acceptable” overall rating. Low beams offered good visibility on straightaways and most curves, but glare was more pronounced. High beams provided good visibility in most scenarios.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are designed to mitigate or avoid collisions with other vehicles. The IIHS tests vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention in two scenarios: 12 mph and 25 mph.
The 2019 Mercedes C-Class offers two front crash prevention systems:
Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Driver Assistance Package)
This optional system earned a “Superior” rating. It successfully avoided collisions in both the 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meets forward collision warning requirements.
Standard Active Brake Assist
The standard Active Brake Assist system also achieved a “Superior” rating, demonstrating collision avoidance in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meeting forward collision warning criteria.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian front crash prevention systems aim to reduce or prevent collisions with pedestrians. The IIHS tests these systems for pedestrian crossing and parallel walking scenarios.
The 2019 Mercedes C-Class pedestrian front crash prevention ratings vary by system:
Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Driver Assistance Package)
This system received a “Superior” rating. It avoided collisions with a crossing child and adult in 12 mph and 25 mph tests. In a parallel adult scenario at 25 mph, impact speed was significantly reduced, and near collision avoidance was achieved at 37 mph.
Standard Active Brake Assist
The standard system received a “Basic” rating. It reduced impact speed in crossing child and adult scenarios but failed to slow adequately in the parallel adult scenario.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), are evaluated for ease of use.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a “Good” rating for child seat anchors. It has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The LATCH system was deemed easy to use, with anchors readily accessible.
Conclusion
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class demonstrates strong safety performance across a range of crash tests and evaluations. Earning mostly “Good” ratings in key safety areas, the C-Class provides robust occupant protection. While some headlight configurations and pedestrian front crash prevention systems received “Acceptable” or “Basic” ratings, the overall safety profile of the 2019 Mercedes C-Class is commendable, making it a safe and reliable choice in the luxury vehicle segment. For those prioritizing safety, the 2019 Mercedes C-Class stands out as a vehicle engineered with occupant protection in mind.
About the small overlap front test
About the small overlap front test
About the original moderate overlap front test
About the original side crash test
About the roof strength test
About the head restraint & seat test
About the headlight evaluation
About the original front crash prevention test
About the pedestrian front crash prevention test
About the child seat anchor evaluation
