The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the 2007-2009 model range, was engineered with a significant focus on enhancing occupant protection, particularly in side impact collisions. This commitment to safety is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz, and the E-Class of this era is a testament to their efforts. Initial side impact testing of the redesigned 2007 model revealed an “Acceptable” rating. This prompted Mercedes-Benz to make further refinements to bolster safety performance, specifically addressing concerns around driver torso protection.
Enhanced Side Impact Protection in the 2008 E-Class
Mercedes-Benz implemented design changes in the front door trim panels starting with 2007 models manufactured after May 2007. These modifications were specifically aimed at further improving how the vehicle protects occupants during side impact crashes. To evaluate the effectiveness of these enhancements, a subsequent crash test was conducted on a model incorporating these changes.
While this follow-up test demonstrated some improvement in reducing forces on the driver’s torso, the enhancement was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall safety rating from the initial “Acceptable” level. Therefore, the safety ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and indeed for the broader 2007-2009 range, are based on the combined results of both the initial and the improved design tests.
2008 Mercedes E-Class Side Impact Ratings Breakdown
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted rigorous side impact testing on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The evaluation criteria and resulting ratings provide a detailed insight into the vehicle’s performance:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Pelvis/Leg | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver Head Protection | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good (G) |
This table summarizes the performance of the 2008 Mercedes E-Class in side-impact crash tests. Notably, while the structure held up acceptably and head protection for both driver and rear passenger was good, the driver’s torso injury measures were rated as Marginal. In contrast, rear passenger injury measures were generally rated Good across all categories.
Side view of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and crash barrier just after the second side impact test, illustrating the point of impact and vehicle deformation.
Post-crash view of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with doors removed, showcasing deployed side airbags and damage to the passenger compartment after the second side impact test.
Technical Insights from Side Impact Tests
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests offer a deeper understanding of occupant safety. Key measurements include occupant compartment intrusion and injury measures for both driver and passenger.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Measurement | Test ID: CES0630 | Test ID: CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -7.5 | -9.0 |
Negative values indicate the extent to which the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline. These measurements show the intrusion into the occupant space during the side impact.
Driver Injury Measures – Comparing Tests
| Evaluation Criteria | Test ID: CES0630 | Test ID: CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 132 | 158 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 42 | 51 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.7 | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 53 | 47 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 46 | 44 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 5.19 | 4.15 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 1.33 | 0.91 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 3.1 | 4.0 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.5 | 1.8 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 147 | 158 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 52 | 69 |
This table details various injury measures recorded on the driver dummy during both the initial test (CES0630) and the test of the improved design (CES0719). Lower torso deflection and viscous criterion values in CES0719 suggest some improvement, though not enough to change the Marginal torso rating.
Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Comparing Tests
| Evaluation Criteria | Test ID: CES0630 | Test ID: CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 42 | 48 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 1.0 | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 15 | 15 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.9 | 1.0 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 | 30 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 26 | 26 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.59 | 3.41 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.32 | 0.31 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.5 | 2.4 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 88 | 67 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | -25 | -28 |
Similarly, rear passenger injury measures are shown for both tests. These values are generally lower than driver injury measures, consistent with the ‘Good’ rating for rear passenger torso protection.
Greasepaint on the side airbag showing head protection for the driver dummy in the initial side impact test of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Greasepaint on the side airbag indicating head protection for the rear passenger dummy in the second, improved design side impact test of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Conclusion: 2008 Mercedes E-Class Side Impact Safety
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates a strong commitment to occupant safety, particularly in side impact scenarios. While the initial 2007 models showed some torso protection concerns, Mercedes-Benz proactively addressed these with design improvements implemented later in 2007 and continuing into the 2008 and 2009 models. The IIHS side impact tests confirm an “Acceptable” overall rating for the 2008 Mercedes E-Class, with “Good” ratings for head protection for both front and rear occupants and for rear passenger torso protection. Prospective buyers considering a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can be assured of a vehicle designed with a strong emphasis on safety, particularly in side-impact crashes.
