The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a vehicle synonymous with luxury and safety, underwent rigorous testing to ensure occupant protection. This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2010-2016 models, with a focus on the relevance to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Understanding these safety ratings is crucial for making informed decisions about vehicle safety and reliability.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a side impact crash test on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door model, which is representative of the design and safety features continuing through the 2015 model year and beyond for this generation. The tested vehicle was equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, key safety features of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class designed to protect occupants in the event of a side collision. It’s important to note that design enhancements were implemented starting with models built after April 2010, specifically to the front and rear door trim, aimed at bolstering side impact protection. Prospective owners of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class should be aware of this design evolution within the model range.
The IIHS evaluation employs a comprehensive rating system, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved top marks in this challenging 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 |
The table above summarizes the “Good” (G) rating achieved by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class across all critical evaluation criteria in the side impact test. This “Good” rating signifies the highest level of protection offered by a vehicle’s safety features and structural design in this type of collision, reassuring for anyone considering a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Image: Side impact collision between a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a barrier during crash testing.
Post-crash analysis provides further insights into the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety systems.
Image: Interior view of an E-Class after a side impact test, highlighting deployed airbags and structural integrity.
Greasepaint applied to the crash test dummies reveals how well the airbags functioned to protect occupants’ heads from impacting hard structures within the vehicle.
Image: Driver-side airbag effectiveness demonstrated by greasepaint marks on the dummy head.
Image: Rear passenger dummy head with greasepaint, confirming airbag protection in a side impact scenario.
Detailed technical measurements from the crash test offer a deeper understanding of the forces and impacts experienced by occupants.
Technical Measurements – Driver Side Intrusion
| Test ID | CES1002 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -24.0 |
The negative value indicates that the structural deformation stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, demonstrating robust occupant compartment integrity in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and similar models.
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 measurements reflect low injury risks for the driver, further supporting the “Good” rating and highlighting the safety engineering of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
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 rear passenger injury measures are also low, reinforcing the consistent safety performance for all occupants in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class during a side impact collision.
Conclusion
The IIHS side impact crash test results for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, applicable to the 2015 model year, demonstrate a “Good” overall safety rating. Both the visual assessments and technical data confirm effective occupant protection. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury vehicle, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a strong assurance of crashworthiness based on these rigorous standards. This data underscores why the Mercedes-Benz E-Class remains a respected choice in its class for vehicle safety.
