The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350, part of the esteemed E-Class lineage, is recognized for its luxury and performance. For model years 2007-2009, Mercedes-Benz significantly re-engineered the E-Class with a strong emphasis on enhancing occupant protection, particularly in side impact collisions. This article delves into the side impact safety performance of the 2009 Mercedes E350, drawing from rigorous crash testing and evaluations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted side impact tests on the Mercedes E-Class, initiating with a 2007 model. The initial assessment resulted in an “Acceptable” rating. This was primarily attributed to elevated forces detected on the driver dummy’s torso region during the crash test.
Mercedes-Benz responded by implementing design modifications to the front door trim panels. These changes, introduced in models manufactured after May 2007, were specifically aimed at further bolstering occupant safety in side-impact scenarios. Consequently, the IIHS performed a subsequent test on a vehicle incorporating these improvements. While this second test demonstrated a reduction in torso forces on the driver dummy, the enhancement was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall vehicle safety rating. Therefore, the safety ratings provided for the 2007-2009 Mercedes E-Class models are based on the outcomes of both initial and improved design tests.
| 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 |
Image depicting the side impact crash test of a 2009 Mercedes E350. The image captures the moment of impact between the vehicle and the deformable barrier during the second crash test.
Image showing the aftermath of the side impact crash test on a 2009 Mercedes E350. With the doors removed, the deployed side airbags are visible, along with the structural damage sustained by the occupant compartment.
Image illustrating the effectiveness of side airbags in protecting the driver’s head during a side impact in a 2009 Mercedes E350. Greasepaint on the dummy’s head shows contact with the airbag, preventing direct impact with hard vehicle structures. This image is from the first test.
Image demonstrating side airbag protection for the rear passenger’s head in a 2009 Mercedes E350 during a side impact collision. Greasepaint marks on the dummy’s head confirm contact with the side airbag, effectively shielding it from vehicle structures. This image is from the second test.
Technical measurements derived from these tests provide a more granular view of the 2009 Mercedes E350’s side impact performance.
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 |
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 demonstrates a strong “Acceptable” rating in side impact crash tests, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to occupant safety. The vehicle’s structure and safety cage were rated “Acceptable,” and head protection for both driver and rear passengers achieved a “Good” rating. While the driver’s torso injury measures were rated “Marginal,” the rear passenger’s torso, pelvis, and leg injury measures all received “Good” or “Acceptable” ratings. These results underscore the 2009 Mercedes E350 as a vehicle prioritizing safety, particularly in side impact scenarios, within the luxury vehicle segment.
