The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a paragon of luxury and safety, continuing the legacy of its esteemed predecessors. For prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike, understanding the safety performance of a vehicle is paramount. This article delves into the comprehensive safety ratings of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, providing an in-depth look at its crash test performance and safety features. We draw upon rigorous testing data to present a clear picture of how this vehicle protects its occupants in various collision scenarios.
Unpacking the IIHS Safety Ratings for the 2018 E-Class
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a leading authority in vehicle safety testing. Their evaluations are crucial for consumers seeking to make informed decisions. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has undergone several IIHS crash tests, each designed to assess vehicle performance under different impact conditions. The ratings range from “Good” (G), “Acceptable” (A), “Marginal” (M), to “Poor” (P). A “Good” rating signifies the highest level of safety performance.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts an object. This is a particularly challenging test as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. This indicates robust structural integrity and effective occupant protection in this demanding scenario. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, with maximum intrusion at the footrest reaching 6 cm. Crucially, driver injury measures were all rated “Good,” demonstrating excellent protection for all critical body regions.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
Extending the small overlap assessment to the passenger side, the IIHS evaluates how well the vehicle protects the front passenger in a similar frontal collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/thigh | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2018 E-Class again secured a “Good” overall rating for passenger-side small overlap performance. Structural performance remained “Good,” and passenger injury measures were also rated “Good” across all body regions. However, passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating, noting that while the dummy’s face remained largely in contact with the frontal airbag, the head moved too far to the right. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing sufficient head protection. Notably, driver injury measures during the passenger-side test remained at “Good” levels.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width impacting a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This test is designed to represent a common type of serious frontal collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test, the highest possible score. This result reinforces the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a significant frontal impact. Measures of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, and all driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating comprehensive protection in this crash scenario.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Test
The side impact test simulates a vehicle being struck in the side by another vehicle or object. This test is critical as side impacts can be particularly dangerous due to the reduced protection offered by the vehicle structure in these areas.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The 2018 E-Class demonstrated exceptional side impact protection, achieving “Good” ratings across all categories for both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as head protection. This flawless performance in the side impact test underscores the vehicle’s robust side structure and effective side airbag system.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates the structural integrity of the vehicle’s roof in a rollover scenario. A strong roof is crucial for preventing roof crush and maintaining occupant space in such accidents.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,803 lbs |
| Peak force | 23,517 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.18 |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.18, the roof demonstrated its ability to withstand forces significantly exceeding the vehicle’s weight, providing robust protection in rollover crashes.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing whiplash and other neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The IIHS evaluates both the dynamic performance of the head restraint in simulated rear impacts and the geometry of the seat and head restraint.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
The 2018 E-Class earned a “Good” rating for head restraints & seats, both dynamically and geometrically. This signifies that the seat and head restraint design effectively minimizes the risk of whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Headlight Ratings
Visibility is a critical aspect of safety, particularly at night. The IIHS evaluates vehicle headlights for their performance in providing adequate illumination while minimizing glare for oncoming drivers. The 2018 E-Class has different headlight options, and their ratings vary.
LED Projector Headlights with Premium Packages
| 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 |
The LED projector headlights, equipped with the Premium II and Premium III packages, received a “Good” overall rating. Both low beams and high beams provided good visibility on straightaways and curves. The high-beam assist feature effectively compensated for some limitations of the low beams on curves.
LED Projector/Reflector Headlights (Standard Trim)
| 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 |
The standard LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams achieved an “Acceptable” overall rating. While low beams offered good visibility on the left side of the straightaway, right-side visibility was only fair. Visibility on curves was more limited. The high beams provided good right-side straightaway visibility but were inadequate on the left.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are designed to mitigate or prevent frontal collisions. The IIHS tests these systems at 12 mph and 25 mph. The 2018 E-Class offers both standard and optional front crash prevention systems.
Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Premium 3 Package)
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward collision warning | Yes |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
The optional Active Brake Assist system earned a “Superior” rating. The system successfully avoided collisions in both the 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meets forward collision warning requirements.
Standard Active Brake Assist
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward collision warning | Yes |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
The standard Active Brake Assist also achieved a “Superior” rating, demonstrating that even the base model 2018 E-Class is equipped with highly effective crash prevention technology. Like the optional system, it avoided collisions in both test speeds and includes forward collision warning.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, also known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), are evaluated for their ease of use. The IIHS LATCH ratings assess how easy it is to install child seats correctly using these anchors.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | E 300 |
| Seat type | leatherette |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a “Good” rating for its LATCH system. It features two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The lower anchors are noted as easy to find and maneuver around, contributing to easier and more secure child seat installation.
Conclusion: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – A Safe Choice
The comprehensive safety evaluations for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reveal a vehicle engineered with a strong emphasis on occupant protection. Earning predominantly “Good” ratings across a spectrum of crash tests, the 2018 E-Class demonstrates robust structural design and effective safety systems. From frontal impacts to side collisions, roof strength, and rear-end scenarios, the E-Class provides a high level of safety for both drivers and passengers. Whether considering the standard safety features or the advanced optional systems, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out as a safe and secure vehicle in the luxury segment. For families and individuals prioritizing safety alongside luxury and performance, the 2018 E-Class is a compelling choice.
