The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2016 models, specifically those built after April 2010, have undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant safety, particularly in side impact collisions. This analysis delves into the side impact crash test results for the Mercedes E-Class 2016, providing a detailed breakdown of its safety performance.
The evaluation is based on a test conducted on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door model, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted torso airbags. It’s important to note that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was redesigned for the 2010 model year, and design enhancements to the front and rear door trim, implemented in models built after April 2010, aimed to bolster occupant protection in side impacts. To ascertain the manufacturing date of a specific vehicle, refer to the certification label typically located on the driver’s side door or the adjacent B-pillar.
Side Impact Evaluation: Achieving a “Good” Rating
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2016 achieved an overall “Good” rating in the side impact evaluation. This rating is the highest possible and signifies robust protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. The evaluation encompasses several key criteria, each contributing to the overall safety assessment.
| 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 |
As shown in the table, the Mercedes E-Class 2016 received “Good” ratings across all individual categories, including structural integrity, safety cage performance, driver injury measures, and rear passenger injury measures. This consistent performance across the board underscores the vehicle’s comprehensive approach to side impact safety.
Visual Inspection Post-Crash
This image shows the Mercedes E Class 2016 and the deformable barrier immediately after the side impact crash test, illustrating the point of impact and initial vehicle deformation.
Following the crash test, this image provides a view of the Mercedes E Class 2016 with the doors removed, revealing the deployment of side airbags and the extent of damage to the occupant compartment, demonstrating the effectiveness of the safety systems.
Head Protection and Airbag Deployment
Greasepaint was applied to the dummy heads to assess contact points during the crash, helping to visualize the effectiveness of the side airbags in preventing head injuries.
The smeared greasepaint on the driver dummy’s head, as seen in this image, indicates that the side airbags effectively protected the driver’s head from impacting hard structures during the side crash test.
Similarly, this image shows smeared greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head, confirming that the side airbag provided substantial head protection for rear occupants as well during the crash.
Technical Measurements and Injury Assessment
The technical measurements from the crash test offer a deeper understanding of the forces and intrusions experienced by the vehicle and occupants.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Test ID | CES1002 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -24.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
This measurement indicates the extent of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side. A negative value signifies that the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, which is indicative of good structural performance in maintaining occupant space.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1002 |
| Head HIC-15 | 177 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.85 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.7 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 80 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 36 |
These driver injury measures provide detailed data on potential injury risks to the driver in a side impact. The measurements for Head HIC-15, neck forces, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, pelvis forces, and femur forces are all within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating, demonstrating effective protection.
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1002 |
| Head HIC-15 | 82 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.79 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.31 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 40 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | -38 |
Similarly, the passenger injury measures indicate the level of protection for rear occupants. The low Head HIC-15 value, along with acceptable forces and deflections in other body regions, confirms that the Mercedes E-Class 2016 provides good side impact protection for rear passengers as well.
Conclusion: Robust Side Impact Safety for Mercedes E Class 2016
The Mercedes E-Class 2016 demonstrates robust side impact safety performance, achieving a “Good” overall rating. Detailed analysis of the crash test results, including visual evidence and technical measurements, confirms effective occupant protection for both front and rear passengers. For those considering a Mercedes E-Class 2016, these safety ratings provide assurance of the vehicle’s ability to perform well in side impact collisions, a critical aspect of overall vehicle safety.
