The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC marked its second year in production, continuing its legacy as a luxury compact SUV that replaced the GLK model. For англоязычный car buyers prioritizing safety, understanding the 2017 GLC’s crash test performance is crucial. This detailed review, based on rigorous evaluations, provides an in-depth look at the safety ratings of the 2017 Mercedes Glc.
Small Overlap Front Crash Tests
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, 25 percent, impacts a rigid barrier at 40 mph. This test is particularly challenging as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle. The 2017 Mercedes GLC underwent both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front
Rating: Acceptable
In the driver-side small overlap test, the 2017 Mercedes GLC demonstrated a Good rating for structure and safety cage integrity. However, the overall driver-side small overlap front rating was Acceptable.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
Action shot of the 2017 Mercedes GLC driver-side small overlap frontal crash test showcasing vehicle impact and safety measures.
The driver injury measures were all rated Good, indicating low risk of injury to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, lower leg, and foot. The issue arose with driver restraints and dummy kinematics, which received an Acceptable rating. The dummy’s head made contact with the frontal airbag but then slipped to the left due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seat belt. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from side structure and external objects.
Post-crash dummy position in the 2017 Mercedes GLC driver-side small overlap test, illustrating maintained driver survival space.
Detailed view of the dummy’s head interaction with airbags during the 2017 Mercedes GLC driver-side small overlap crash, highlighting head movement.
Assessment of lower body protection in the 2017 Mercedes GLC driver-side small overlap crash, showing minimal risk of leg and foot injuries.
Technical measurements from the driver-side test provide further insights:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEN1722 |
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 1 |
| Footrest (cm) | 10 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 7 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 3 |
| Parking brake (cm) | |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 1 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 2 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 2 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEN1722 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 224 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.1 |
| Right | 1.0 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 2 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.64 |
| Right | 0.41 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 3.0 |
| Right | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 86 |
| Right | 61 |
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front
Rating: Good
The 2017 Mercedes GLC performed significantly better in the passenger-side small overlap front test, achieving an overall Good rating. This evaluation is based on two tests conducted on a 2018 model, one by the Institute and another by Mercedes-Benz.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Dynamic image from the Institute’s passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test of the 2017 Mercedes GLC, capturing the moment of impact.
Both passenger and driver injury measures, as well as passenger restraints and dummy kinematics, all received Good ratings. The structure and safety cage also maintained a Good rating.
Assessment of passenger survival space post-crash in the 2017 Mercedes GLC passenger-side small overlap test, indicating a well-maintained space.
Demonstration of effective airbag deployment in the 2017 Mercedes GLC passenger-side small overlap test, providing optimal head protection.
Evaluation of lower leg injury risks in the 2017 Mercedes GLC passenger-side small overlap test, showing minimal risk except for potentially higher forces in one test.
Technical measurements for the passenger-side test are detailed below:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEP1712 |
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 2 |
| Footrest (cm) | 16 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 8 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Center dash (cm) | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 2 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 4 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 4 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEP1712 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 122 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 18 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.1 |
| Right | 1.2 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 1 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.21 |
| Right | 0.81 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.1 |
| Right | 4.7 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 68 |
| Right | 109 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEP1712 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 105 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 7 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.12 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.6 |
| Right | 0.9 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 2 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.18 |
| Right | 0.49 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.4 |
| Right | 0.7 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 23 |
| Right | 47 |
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test
Rating: Good
The 2017 Mercedes GLC also earned a Good rating in the moderate overlap front test. This test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width impacting a deformable barrier at 40 mph. Ratings are based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz and evaluated by the Institute.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Technical measurements for the moderate overlap front test are as follows:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1626 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 1 |
| Left (cm) | 1 |
| Center (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | -1 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | -2 |
| Rearward (cm) | -7 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1626 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 131 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.8 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.7 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.17 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.27 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 45 |
| Right | 68 |
Side Impact: Original Test
Rating: Good
In the side impact test, simulating a vehicle being struck by another vehicle in an intersection, the 2017 Mercedes GLC achieved a Good overall rating. This rating is based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz.
| 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 |
Technical measurements from the side impact test are detailed below:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1625 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1625 |
| Head HIC-15 | 133 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.44 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.53 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.6 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 41 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 46 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1625 |
| Head HIC-15 | 137 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.6 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 16 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.39 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.43 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 46 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 50 |
Roof Strength
Rating: Good
The roof strength test assesses the structural integrity of the roof in a rollover scenario. The 2017 Mercedes GLC achieved a Good rating, indicating a strong roof capable of protecting occupants in such accidents.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.04 |
Head Restraints & Seats
Rating: Good
Evaluations of head restraints and seats are crucial for preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2017 Mercedes GLC’s head restraints and seats earned a Good overall rating, with both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry also rated as Good.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Technical measurements for head restraints & seats test:
| Seat type | Power leather seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 38 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | -14 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 16.1 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 57 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 21 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 464 |
Headlights
The 2017 Mercedes GLC offers different headlight options, and their performance varies significantly. The ratings are provided for three different headlight variations:
Trim level: GLC 300 with Premium 3 package
Rating: Good
This trim, equipped with LED projector low and high beams, and curve-adaptive and high-beam assist features, received a Good overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | G |
Headlight performance chart for 2017 Mercedes GLC GLC 300 trim equipped with Premium 3 package, showing optimal illumination distances.
Low beams: Good visibility on straightaways and curves, with some glare.
High beams: Fair to good visibility, with high-beam assist compensating for low beam limitations on curves.
Trim level: GLC 300 with Premium 1 & 2 and LED Headlamps and taillamps packages
Rating: Acceptable
This trim, featuring LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams without curve-adaptive or high-beam assist, received an Acceptable overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | A |
Headlight performance chart for 2017 Mercedes GLC GLC 300 trim equipped with Premium 1 and LED Headlamps and taillamps packages, indicating acceptable performance.
Low beams: Good to fair visibility, with some glare.
High beams: Good to fair visibility.
Trim level: GLC 300 Standard
Rating: Marginal
The standard GLC 300 trim with halogen reflector headlights (both low and high beams) without curve-adaptive or high-beam assist received a Marginal overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | M |
Headlight performance chart for the standard 2017 Mercedes GLC GLC 300 trim, showing marginal performance.
Low beams: Fair visibility on straightaways, fair to inadequate on curves, with some glare.
High beams: Good to inadequate visibility.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Rating: Superior (with optional equipment), Superior (standard)
The 2017 Mercedes GLC offers two front crash prevention systems: optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition (part of Premium 3 Package) and standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus. Both systems earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
System details: Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition
Overall evaluation: Superior
- Meets forward collision warning requirements.
- Avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
System details: Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
Overall evaluation: Superior
- Does not meet forward collision warning requirements.
- Avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Rating: Acceptable
The LATCH system for child seat anchors in the 2017 Mercedes GLC received an Acceptable rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Vehicle trim | GLC 300 |
| Seat type | leatherette |
The vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and 1 additional position with only a tether anchor. Ease of use is rated as Acceptable due to some difficulty maneuvering around the anchors.
Details by seating position
| Position | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| not too deep in seat | |
| not too much force needed to attach | |
| difficult to maneuver around anchors | |
| 2 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| none available | |
| 3 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| not too deep in seat | |
| not too much force needed to attach | |
| difficult to maneuver around anchors |
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes GLC demonstrates strong safety performance in most crash tests, achieving Good ratings in moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The passenger-side small overlap front test also earned a Good rating. However, the driver-side small overlap front test received an Acceptable rating due to issues with dummy kinematics. Headlight performance varies significantly by trim level, with the Premium 3 package offering Good rated LED headlights, while standard halogen headlights are rated Marginal. Front crash prevention systems are Superior, and child seat LATCH system is rated Acceptable. Overall, the 2017 Mercedes GLC is a safe vehicle choice, particularly when equipped with optional safety features and the Premium 3 headlight package. англоязычный buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the safety of a 2017 Mercedes GLC.
