The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a hallmark of luxury and performance, underwent a significant redesign in 2017, setting new benchmarks in automotive safety. This article delves into the comprehensive safety evaluations for the 2018 Benz E Class, providing a detailed analysis of its performance in various crash tests and safety assessments. As a prospective owner or safety-conscious driver, understanding these ratings is crucial. This detailed breakdown, based on rigorous testing, aims to give you a clear picture of the 2018 Benz E Class’s safety prowess.
Small Overlap Front Test: Driver-Side Performance
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, and the 2018 Benz E Class demonstrated exceptional structural integrity.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front: Key Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2018 Benz E Class earned a “Good” rating across all categories in the driver-side small overlap test, indicating a high level of protection for the driver in this type of severe frontal crash.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Front
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 2 |
| Footrest | 6 |
| Left Toepan | 3 |
| Brake Pedal | 3 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 1 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 2 |
| Upper Dash | 2 |
| Lower Instrument Panel | 2 |
These measurements reveal minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment, crucial for maintaining survival space in a crash.
Driver Injury Measures (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 173 |
| Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 38 |
| Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.35 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 28 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 1.0 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 2 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.43 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.40 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 3.0 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 2.0 |
| Foot Acceleration – Left (g) | 101 |
| Foot Acceleration – Right (g) | 98 |
The injury measures are well within acceptable limits, further confirming the excellent protection offered by the 2018 Benz E Class in a driver-side small overlap frontal crash.
About the small overlap front test
Small Overlap Front Test: Passenger-Side Performance
Extending the safety assessment to the passenger side, the small overlap front test on the passenger side evaluates how well the vehicle protects the front passenger in a similar crash scenario.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front: Key Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures: Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures: Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures: Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures: Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good (G) |
While most passenger-side ratings are “Good,” the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. This indicates a need for slight improvement in how the passenger is restrained during this type of crash, although overall protection remains high. The note mentions the head moved too far to the right, indicating potential for improvement in airbag coverage.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 5 |
| Footrest | 14 |
| Right Toepan | 7 |
| Center Toepan | 4 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 0 |
| Center Dash | 2 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 6 |
| Upper Dash | 6 |
| Right Lower Dash | 5 |
Intrusion measurements are slightly higher on the passenger side compared to the driver side, but still within a range that signifies good structural performance.
Passenger Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 205 |
| Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 21 |
| Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.25 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.8 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 2.0 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 4 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.55 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.52 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 1.9 |
| Foot Acceleration – Left (g) | 72 |
| Foot Acceleration – Right (g) | 111 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 78 |
| Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 4 |
| Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.14 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 22 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.2 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 1.0 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 1 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.25 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.39 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 0.2 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Foot Acceleration – Left (g) | 26 |
| Foot Acceleration – Right (g) | 85 |
The injury measurements for both passenger and driver in the passenger-side small overlap test remain low, reinforcing the 2018 Benz E Class’s commitment to safety for all occupants.
About the small overlap front test
Moderate Overlap Front Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front test, a more traditional frontal crash test, assesses protection when a significant portion of the vehicle’s front impacts a barrier. The 2018 Benz E Class once again achieved top marks.
Moderate Overlap Front: Key Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Leg/Foot, Left | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Leg/Foot, Right | Good (G) |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2018 Benz E Class earned a “Good” rating across the board in the moderate overlap front test, demonstrating consistent and excellent frontal crash protection.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest Intrusion | 1 |
| Left Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Center Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Right Footwell Intrusion | 0 |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion | 1 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Left | 0 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Right | 0 |
| Steering Column Upward Movement | -3 |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement | -6 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 0 |
Minimal footwell intrusion and controlled steering column movement are vital for reducing lower extremity injuries and maintaining driver safety space.
Driver Injury Measures (Moderate Overlap Front)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 180 |
| Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | 13 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 6 |
| Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.26 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 34 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.7 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 0.9 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.27 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.31 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 2.7 |
| Foot Acceleration – Left (g) | 40 |
| Foot Acceleration – Right (g) | 61 |
The injury measurements remain low, indicating excellent protection against head, neck, chest, and leg injuries in a moderate overlap frontal crash for the 2018 Benz E Class.
About the original moderate overlap front test
Side Impact Test: Original Evaluation
Side impacts are another significant real-world crash scenario. The 2018 Benz E Class was evaluated in the side impact test to assess occupant protection in such collisions.
Side Impact: Key Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures: Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Driver Head Protection | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good (G) |
The 2018 Benz E Class achieved “Good” ratings across all categories in the side impact test, for both driver and rear passenger, highlighting its all-around side impact protection capability.
Technical Measurements: Side Impact
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Test ID | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to Longitudinal Centerline of Driver’s Seat | -23.0 |
Negative value indicates crush stopped short of the seat centerline, showing effective structural resistance to intrusion.
Driver Injury Measures (Side Impact)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 158 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 3.53 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.45 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 37 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 71 |
Passenger Injury Measures (Side Impact)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 108 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 12 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 9 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 7 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 1.07 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.05 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 33 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 80 |
Low injury measures for both driver and rear passenger underscore the effectiveness of the 2018 Benz E Class’s side impact protection systems.
About the original side crash test
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is critical in rollover accidents. The 2018 Benz E Class was subjected to a roof strength test to evaluate its ability to withstand such events.
Roof Strength: Key Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Curb Weight | 3,803 lbs |
| Peak Force | 23,517 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 6.18 |
With a “Good” rating and a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.18, the roof of the 2018 Benz E Class is significantly stronger than its weight, providing robust protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Head restraints and seats play a crucial role in preventing whiplash and other neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats: Key Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Dynamic Rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | Good (G) |
The 2018 Benz E Class’s power leather seats and head restraints received “Good” ratings in all categories, indicating effective design to minimize whiplash risk.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 22 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | -30 |
| Pass/Fail (Seat Design Parameters) | Pass |
| Max T1 Acceleration (g) | 15.7 |
| Head Contact Time (ms) | 60 |
| Force Rating | 1 |
| Max Neck Shear Force (N) | 0 |
| Max Neck Tension (N) | 480 |
These measurements confirm the effective geometry and dynamic performance of the head restraints and seats in the 2018 Benz E Class.
About the head restraint & seat test
Headlights Evaluation
Visibility is paramount for safety, and headlight performance is a key aspect. The 2018 Benz E Class was evaluated with two different headlight variations.
Headlights with Premium Packages: Superior Rating
Trim Level(s): E 300 with Premium II or Premium III package
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall Rating | Good (G) |
The premium headlight option on the 2018 Benz E Class, featuring LED projectors, curve-adaptive functionality, and high-beam assist, achieved a “Good” overall rating, providing superior visibility in various driving conditions.
Low Beam Performance (Premium Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Straightaway Right Edge Illumination | 113.6 m |
| Straightaway Left Edge Illumination | 64.2 m |
| 250m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 83.9 m |
| 250m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 68.7 m |
| 150m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 66.4 m |
| 150m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 60.7 m |
High Beam Performance (Premium Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Straightaway Right Edge Illumination | 148.2 m |
| Straightaway Left Edge Illumination | 135.0 m |
| 250m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 83.3 m |
| 250m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 90.4 m |
| 150m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 65.7 m |
| 150m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 66.3 m |
Standard Headlights: Acceptable Rating
Trim Level(s): E 300 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 | Acceptable (A) |
The standard headlights on the 2018 Benz E Class, while still LED projectors for low beams, use LED reflectors for high beams and lack curve-adaptive and high-beam assist features. They received an “Acceptable” rating, indicating good but not superior performance compared to the premium option.
Low Beam Performance (Standard Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Straightaway Right Edge Illumination | 92.2 m |
| Straightaway Left Edge Illumination | 67.2 m |
| 250m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 50.6 m |
| 250m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 52.8 m |
| 150m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 43.2 m |
| 150m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 46.8 m |
High Beam Performance (Standard Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Straightaway Right Edge Illumination | 165.8 m |
| Straightaway Left Edge Illumination | 126.9 m |
| 250m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 68.7 m |
| 250m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 70.2 m |
| 150m Radius Right Curve Illumination | 52.0 m |
| 150m Radius Left Curve Illumination | 53.4 m |
About the headlight evaluation
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Active safety systems are increasingly important. The 2018 Benz E Class was evaluated for its front crash prevention capabilities.
Front Crash Prevention: Superior Rating
System Details (Optional): Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Premium 3 Package)
System Details (Standard): Active Brake Assist
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation (Optional System) | Superior |
| Overall Evaluation (Standard System) | Superior |
Both the standard and optional front crash prevention systems on the 2018 Benz E Class earned “Superior” ratings. Both systems successfully avoided collisions in 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meet forward collision warning requirements. This highlights the advanced preventative safety technology integrated into the vehicle.
About the original front crash prevention test
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child safety is paramount. The 2018 Benz E Class was evaluated for its child seat anchor system (LATCH).
Child Seat Anchors: Good Rating
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
The LATCH system in the 2018 Benz E Class received a “Good” rating, indicating ease of use and effectiveness for installing child safety seats. It features two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find location), Lower anchors (not too deep, easy to attach and maneuver around) |
| 2 | – | Tether anchor (easy-to-find location), No lower anchors available |
| 3 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find location), Lower anchors (not too deep, easy to attach and maneuver around) |
About the child seat anchor evaluation
Conclusion: The 2018 Benz E Class – A Safety Leader
The 2018 Benz E Class demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a wide range of crash tests and safety evaluations. With “Good” ratings in most categories, and “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention and headlight options, the 2018 Benz E Class stands out as a leader in vehicle safety. While there is a minor “Acceptable” rating in passenger-side small overlap restraints, the overall safety profile of the 2018 Benz E Class is overwhelmingly positive. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury vehicle, the 2018 Benz E Class is a compelling choice, offering peace of mind and advanced protection for drivers and passengers alike.
