The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, a luxury SUV, made its debut in 1998, quickly setting a new standard for safety and performance in its category. For those considering a classic SUV, particularly the 1999 Benz Suv models, understanding their safety features is crucial. It’s important to note that Mercedes-Benz implemented structural enhancements in M-Class vehicles manufactured after March 1999 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. This article delves into the crashworthiness evaluation of a 1999 benz suv, specifically the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 4-door 4wd, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The IIHS rigorously tested a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML 320, equipped with these structural improvements, in a 40 mph frontal offset crash. This test is designed to simulate a real-world scenario where a vehicle’s front corner impacts another vehicle or a fixed object. The results of this test provide valuable insights into the safety performance of the 1999 benz suv.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | A |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The overall evaluation for the 1999 benz suv, Mercedes-Benz ML 320, was rated as Good (G) by the IIHS. This rating reflects the vehicle’s performance in protecting its occupants during the frontal offset crash test. Let’s break down the key evaluation criteria:
Structural Performance and Occupant Compartment
A critical aspect of vehicle safety is the integrity of its structure during a crash. The 1999 benz suv demonstrated Good (G) performance in Structure and safety cage. This indicates that the structural design of the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 effectively maintained the occupant survival space, minimizing intrusion into the passenger compartment. This is crucial for preventing serious injuries in a frontal collision.
Driver Injury Measures
To assess potential injuries to the driver, the IIHS utilizes crash test dummies equipped with sensors. The evaluation of driver injury measures for the 1999 benz suv revealed the following:
- Head/Neck: Acceptable (A) – This indicates a moderate risk of injury to the head and neck area.
- Chest: Good (G) – Signifying a low risk of chest injury.
- Leg/Foot (Left & Right): Good (G) – Demonstrating good protection for the driver’s legs and feet.
These ratings suggest that the 1999 benz suv provides a good level of protection against serious injuries in a frontal offset crash, particularly for the chest and lower extremities.
The position of the dummy after the crash test is a key indicator of how well the occupant survival space was maintained. In the case of the 1999 benz suv, the dummy’s position relative to the steering wheel and instrument panel confirmed that the driver’s survival space was indeed maintained effectively.
Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
The effectiveness of safety features like seatbelts and airbags is evaluated under Driver restraints and dummy kinematics. The 1999 benz suv received a Good (G) rating in this category. This means the restraints in the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 worked effectively to control the dummy’s movement during the crash, minimizing the risk of injury.
It’s noteworthy that in the tested 1999 benz suv, the passenger airbag did not deploy because sensors detected that the front passenger seat was unoccupied. This is a standard safety feature designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment and potential injury when a passenger is not present, or when a specific child seat is in use.
Minimal intrusion into the driver footwell area is another positive aspect observed in the crash test of the 1999 benz suv. Reduced footwell intrusion contributes to minimizing leg and foot injuries.
Technical Measurements: Intrusion and Injury Data
Detailed technical measurements from the crash test provide a deeper understanding of the 1999 benz suv’s performance. Key measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver side include footrest intrusion (12cm), left footwell intrusion (11cm), and minimal instrument panel and steering column movement.
Driver injury measures, such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC), neck tension, chest compression, and femur forces, are also recorded. These measurements are within acceptable limits, further supporting the “Good” overall safety rating of the 1999 benz suv.
Conclusion: The 1999 Benz SUV – A Safe Choice
The IIHS crash test results for the 1999 benz suv, specifically the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 manufactured after March 1999, demonstrate a commendable level of safety performance for its time. With an overall “Good” rating, robust structural integrity, and effective occupant protection measures, the 1999 benz suv stands out as a safe option in the used SUV market, particularly for those prioritizing safety in a classic Mercedes-Benz vehicle. While advancements in automotive safety have continued since 1999, this report confirms the solid safety engineering present in this early generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
