The 2019 Mercedes-benz Gle-class stands as a paragon of luxury and performance in the SUV market. For discerning buyers, safety is paramount, and understanding vehicle crashworthiness is a key part of the purchase decision. This analysis delves into the side impact safety performance of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, providing expert insights based on rigorous testing.
It’s important to note that the safety ratings discussed here apply to the 2016-2019 GLE-Class models. The GLE-Class nameplate was introduced in 2016, marking a rebranding of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The data informing these ratings is derived from tests conducted on earlier M-Class models, specifically a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec. This testing methodology is relevant because the fundamental vehicle structure and safety features pertinent to side impact performance remained consistent during this period.
The side impact evaluations are based on tests performed by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by independent safety organizations. These tests simulate a side collision scenario to evaluate how well the vehicle protects occupants. Notably, two distinct tests contribute to the overall side impact rating: one using a 2012 ML 550 V8 (equipped with standard rear side torso airbags) and another with a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 without the optional rear side torso airbags. Interestingly, the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during these tests. This outcome is attributed to the vehicle’s long wheelbase (115 inches), which positions the impact point relatively far forward from the rear seating area. Crucially, standard side curtain airbags provide significant protection for rear occupants in side impact scenarios, regardless of rear torso airbag configuration.
The combined results of these tests lead to a comprehensive side impact safety rating for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The evaluation criteria and the corresponding “Good” rating are detailed below:
| 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 |
Rating Key: G = Good
As the table shows, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class achieved the highest possible rating of “Good” (G) across all evaluation metrics in side impact testing. This “Good” rating extends to both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as the structural integrity of the vehicle’s safety cage. This indicates a robust design that effectively protects occupants in a side collision.
Further technical measurements provide granular data on the vehicle’s performance during the side impact tests. For driver-side occupant compartment intrusion, the B-pillar crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline in both tests (VTS1115 and VTS1313), indicated by negative values in centimeters.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1115 | VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures, as recorded in the technical data, are well within acceptable limits, further supporting the “Good” rating. Measurements like Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15), neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection, pelvis forces, and femur forces are all documented for both tests.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 64 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.47 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.8 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 16 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 125 |
Similarly, passenger injury measures demonstrate excellent protection for rear occupants. Head HIC-15, neck forces, shoulder forces, torso deflection, pelvis forces, and femur forces are recorded and indicate a low risk of significant injury in a side impact collision.
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 81 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 5 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.61 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.26 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 31 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 59 |
Conclusion:
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provides excellent side impact protection, earning a “Good” overall rating. This rating is supported by comprehensive testing and detailed technical measurements, indicating a commitment to occupant safety. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the 2019 GLE-Class stands as a strong contender, offering peace of mind in the event of a side collision.
