The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, specifically the 2015 model year which is part of the 2010-2016 generation (models built after April 2010), has undergone rigorous side impact crash testing to evaluate its safety performance. This analysis delves into the crash test results for the Benz E Class 2015, providing a comprehensive overview of its safety ratings and occupant protection capabilities. Understanding these results is crucial for prospective buyers and current owners concerned about vehicle safety.
The tested vehicle was a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags. It’s important to note that design enhancements were implemented starting with 2010 models manufactured after April 2010, particularly focusing on the front and rear door trim to bolster occupant safety during side impact collisions. These improvements are relevant to the Benz E Class 2015 as it falls within this enhanced production timeframe.
The side impact crash test assessed various critical aspects of vehicle safety, categorized under specific evaluation criteria. The results are summarized in the table below, providing a clear and concise overview of the Benz E Class 2015’s performance.
| 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 rating scale used is straightforward, with “G” signifying “Good,” the highest possible rating. As evident from the table, the Benz E Class 2015 achieved a “Good” rating across all evaluation criteria in the side impact crash test. This indicates a high level of protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. The “Good” overall evaluation underscores the robust safety engineering of the Benz E Class 2015 in side impact scenarios.
View of Mercedes-Benz E Class 2015 just after side impact crash test, illustrating vehicle deformation and barrier contact.
The image above captures the immediate aftermath of the side impact crash test. It visually demonstrates how the structure of the Benz E Class 2015 performed upon impact with the barrier. Observing the vehicle and barrier interaction helps in understanding the forces involved and the initial stages of occupant protection.
Post-crash view of Benz E Class 2015 with doors removed, showcasing deployed side airbags and integrity of occupant compartment after side impact.
This image offers a view inside the Benz E Class 2015 after the crash test, with the doors removed for better visibility. It highlights the deployment of the side airbags, a critical safety feature in side impact collisions. Furthermore, it allows for an assessment of the occupant compartment’s integrity and how well it maintained survival space for the occupants during the crash.
Greasepaint on driver dummy head showing protection zone from side airbags in Benz E Class 2015 side impact test.
Greasepaint applied to the crash test dummy’s head provides visual evidence of the effectiveness of the side airbags in preventing head injuries. This image specifically shows the driver dummy’s head and the greasepaint marks, indicating the areas where the side airbags effectively cushioned the head and prevented contact with hard structures during the side impact.
Rear passenger dummy head greasepaint marks demonstrating airbag protection in Benz E Class 2015 side impact assessment.
Similarly, greasepaint is used on the rear passenger dummy’s head to evaluate head protection for rear occupants. This image illustrates the area where the side airbag protected the rear passenger’s head. The presence of greasepaint marks in the intended protection zone confirms the proper functioning and coverage of the side airbag for rear passengers in the Benz E Class 2015.
Technical measurements from the side impact test offer a more granular look at the Benz E Class 2015’s performance. These measurements quantify occupant compartment intrusion and potential injury levels.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | CES1002 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
The intrusion measurement on the driver’s side, specifically the B-pillar displacement, is -24.0 cm. The negative value indicates that the structural crush stopped 24 centimeters short of the driver’s seat centerline. This limited intrusion is a positive indicator of the Benz E Class 2015’s structural integrity and its ability to maintain a safe space for the driver during a side impact.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1002 |
| Head HIC-15 | 177 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.85 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.7 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.1 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 80 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 36 |
The driver injury measures provide data on potential injury risks to different body regions. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 177 is well below critical levels, suggesting a low risk of head injury. Neck, shoulder, torso, pelvis, and femur measurements are also indicative of low injury potential. These data points collectively reinforce the “Good” rating and demonstrate effective injury mitigation for the driver in a side impact collision in the Benz E Class 2015.
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1002 |
| Head HIC-15 | 82 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.79 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.31 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 40 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -38 |
Similarly, the passenger injury measures for the rear occupant also show low risk of injury. The Head HIC-15 is even lower at 82 compared to the driver, and other measurements for neck, shoulder, torso, pelvis, and femur regions are all within acceptable limits. This confirms that the Benz E Class 2015 provides excellent side impact protection not only for the driver but also for rear passengers.
In conclusion, the Benz E Class 2015 demonstrates outstanding side impact safety performance. The “Good” ratings across all categories, supported by detailed technical measurements and visual evidence from crash test images, affirm its strong occupant protection capabilities in side collision scenarios. For individuals prioritizing safety, the Benz E Class 2015 stands out as a vehicle engineered with a high degree of side impact protection.
