The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E Class marked a significant step forward in vehicle safety, particularly in side impact protection. This model year underwent a re-engineering process with a strong focus on enhancing how the vehicle protects occupants during side collisions. Initial crash tests conducted by safety organizations provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of these improvements.
Side Impact Performance Evaluation of the 2007-2009 Mercedes E Class
In the first safety assessment of the 2007 Mercedes E Class, the vehicle achieved an “Acceptable” overall rating. This rating was primarily influenced by the high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso area during the side impact test. While the structure and safety cage of the vehicle demonstrated robust integrity, the torso protection for the driver was deemed to be “Marginal”. Other aspects of driver safety, such as head/neck and pelvis/leg protection, were rated “Good” and “Acceptable” respectively. Driver head protection was also rated as “Good,” indicating effective airbag deployment and head impact mitigation. Rear passenger safety in side impacts was generally rated “Good” across all measured categories, including head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg, and head protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Structure and safety cage | A |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | M |
| Pelvis/leg | A |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
View of the vehicle and barrier just after the second of two crash tests.
Design Improvements and Subsequent Testing
Mercedes-Benz implemented design changes to the front door trim panels starting with 2007 models manufactured after May 2007. These modifications were specifically aimed at further enhancing occupant protection in side impact collisions. To evaluate the effectiveness of these improvements, a subsequent crash test was performed on a vehicle incorporating the updated design. This follow-up test demonstrated a reduction in the forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso. However, this reduction was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or alter the overall “Acceptable” vehicle rating. Consequently, the safety ratings for the 2007-2009 Mercedes E Class models are based on the combined results of both the initial and the improved design tests.
View of the vehicle after the second crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.
Analysis of Dummy Head Protection
Greasepaint analysis from the crash tests provided visual confirmation of the effectiveness of the side airbags in protecting the heads of both the driver and rear passenger dummies. The smeared greasepaint markings clearly indicated where the side airbags prevented the dummies’ heads from making contact with hard structures within the vehicle during the side impact. This highlights a key safety feature of the 2007 Mercedes E Class in mitigating head injuries during side collisions.
Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy’s head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbags (first test shown).
Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbags (second test shown).
Technical Measurements and Injury Data
Detailed technical measurements from both crash tests offer a deeper understanding of the structural performance and potential injury levels. The tables below present data on occupant compartment intrusion and specific injury measures for both driver and passenger dummies.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | CES0630 | CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -7.5 | -9.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 132 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 53 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 46 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 5.19 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 1.33 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 3.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Combined force (kN) | 5.5 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 147 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 52 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 42 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Compression (kN) | 1.0 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.59 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.7 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 88 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -25 |
Conclusion: Safety Performance of the 2007 Mercedes E Class in Side Impacts
The 2007 Mercedes E Class demonstrated an “Acceptable” level of safety performance in side impact crash tests. While the vehicle structure held up well and provided good protection in many areas, the “Marginal” rating for driver torso protection indicates an area for potential improvement. Despite this, the 2007-2009 Mercedes E Class models offer a solid level of side impact safety, especially considering the “Good” ratings for head protection and rear passenger safety. These findings are crucial for anyone considering a 2007 Mercedes E Class, providing a detailed understanding of its safety capabilities in side impact scenarios.
