The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a luxury compact SUV, carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, the GLK, with enhanced safety features and robust build quality. This article delves into the comprehensive safety evaluations conducted on the Mercedes-Benz GLC, focusing on the 2020 model year while referencing data applicable to the 2016-2022 range. As a reputable source for automotive expertise at mercedesxentry.store, we aim to provide an in-depth analysis of the GLC’s crashworthiness and safety technologies, empowering you with informed decisions.
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side Assessment
The small overlap front crash test represents a challenging scenario where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. In the driver-side small overlap test, the Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrated commendable structural integrity.
| 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 | A |
The GLC earned a “Good” rating for structural performance and safety cage integrity, indicating that the vehicle effectively maintained the driver’s survival space. Injury measures for the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot were also rated “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries in this type of collision.
Action shot of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test, highlighting vehicle impact dynamics.
However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Acceptable.” The test revealed that while the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it subsequently rolled to the left due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seat belt. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from impacts with side structures and external objects.
Post-crash assessment of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC driver side, showing maintained survival space and minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment.
Analysis of dummy head movement during the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC driver-side small overlap test, indicating interaction with airbags and potential for head roll.
Evaluation of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC footwell area after the driver-side small overlap crash, demonstrating effective protection against lower extremity injuries.
Technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap test further detail the GLC’s performance. Minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment was observed, with measurements ranging from 0 to 10 cm across various points. Driver injury measures were also within acceptable limits, indicating low risks of serious harm.
Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side Evaluation
Extending the small overlap assessment to the passenger side, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC continued to exhibit excellent crashworthiness. The passenger-side small overlap test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect the front passenger in a similar offset 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 | G |
The GLC achieved an “Overall Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap test, with “Good” ratings across all evaluation criteria, including structure and safety cage, passenger injury measures, and passenger restraints and dummy kinematics. This demonstrates consistent occupant protection for both driver and front passenger in this demanding crash scenario.
Dynamic capture of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC during the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test, illustrating crash energy management.
Assessment of passenger survival space within the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC after the passenger-side small overlap crash, confirming structural integrity.
Analysis of airbag deployment and head protection for the passenger in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC passenger-side small overlap test.
Evaluation of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC passenger compartment post-crash, showing minimal deformation and low risk of leg injuries in the passenger-side small overlap test.
Technical measurements for the passenger-side test corroborated the “Good” ratings, with minimal occupant compartment intrusion and low injury measures for the passenger dummy.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test Performance
The moderate overlap front test simulates a frontal collision where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end engages with a barrier. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC again showcased robust performance in this assessment.
| 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 GLC earned an “Overall Good” rating, with “Good” scores in all categories, including structural integrity, driver injury measures, and restraint performance. This indicates excellent protection for the driver in a moderate frontal impact.
Technical data revealed minimal footwell intrusion and controlled movement of the steering column and instrument panel, further supporting the “Good” structural rating. Driver injury measures were also low across all body regions.
Side: Original Impact Test Results
Side impact collisions pose a significant threat to occupants. The side crash test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to withstand a perpendicular impact to the side structure. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrated top-tier performance in the side impact test.
| 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 GLC achieved an “Overall Good” rating, with “Good” ratings across all driver and rear passenger injury measures, structural performance, and head protection. This signifies exceptional protection for occupants in side impact scenarios. Measurements indicated minimal intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment during the test.
Roof Strength Evaluation
Roof strength is crucial in rollover accidents. The roof strength test assesses a vehicle’s ability to withstand forces applied to its roof. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC exhibited a strong roof structure.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.04 |
The GLC earned a “Good” rating for roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio exceeding 6.04. This indicates that the roof can withstand over six times the vehicle’s weight, providing significant protection in rollover events.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s head restraints and seats were evaluated for their dynamic performance and geometry.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
The GLC received an “Overall Good” rating for head restraints & seats, with “Good” ratings for both dynamic performance and seat/head restraint geometry. Technical measurements confirmed effective head restraint positioning and low neck forces during simulated rear-end impact scenarios.
Headlights Assessment
Visibility at night is paramount for safety, and headlight performance is a critical factor. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers different headlight variations, with ratings varying accordingly.
Trim level: All trims equipped with Exterior Lighting package
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G |
The GLC models equipped with the Exterior Lighting package, featuring LED projector low and high beams with curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, achieved an “Overall Good” headlight rating. This superior headlight system provides good visibility on straightaways and curves, with minimal glare.
Trim level: All trims (Standard Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | P |
However, the standard LED reflector headlights without the Exterior Lighting package received a “Poor” overall rating. These headlights demonstrated inadequate visibility in various driving scenarios, particularly on curves. This highlights the importance of opting for the Exterior Lighting package for enhanced nighttime driving safety in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Pedestrian
Advanced front crash prevention systems are increasingly important in mitigating collisions. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers an optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
With the optional Active Brake Assist, the 2020 GLC achieved a “Superior” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. The system successfully avoided collisions in lower-speed tests and significantly reduced impact speed in higher-speed scenarios.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention (Daytime)
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
Similarly, the GLC with optional Active Brake Assist earned a “Superior” rating for daytime pedestrian front crash prevention. The system effectively avoided collisions with pedestrians in various simulated scenarios or significantly reduced impact speeds.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Evaluation
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease the secure installation of child restraints. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s LATCH system was evaluated for its usability.
| Overall evaluation | A |
The GLC received an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchors. While the vehicle offers LATCH hardware in multiple rear seating positions and tether anchors in all rear positions, some lower anchor locations were noted as being difficult to maneuver around.
Conclusion: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC – A Safe and Secure Choice
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving predominantly “Good” ratings in IIHS crash tests. While the driver-side small overlap test revealed an “Acceptable” rating for restraints, the GLC excelled in all other crashworthiness evaluations. Furthermore, the availability of a “Superior” rated front crash prevention system and “Good” rated headlights (with the optional Exterior Lighting package) further enhances the 2020 GLC’s safety profile. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury compact SUV, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands as a highly recommendable option, especially when equipped with the optional safety-enhancing packages.
Disclaimer: Ratings and evaluations are based on tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC models, with specific reference to the 2020 model year where applicable. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date and detailed safety information.
