The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is recognized for its luxury and performance, but safety is equally paramount for discerning car buyers. This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, specifically focusing on models within the 2010-2016 range built after April 2010, which includes the E Class Benz 2012.
Excellent Side Impact Safety Performance
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted rigorous side impact testing on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The vehicle tested was a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags. The evaluation criteria spanned from structural integrity to injury measures for both driver and rear passenger.
The e class benz 2012 and similar models achieved an overall “Good” rating in the side impact test. This top rating signifies robust protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. It’s important to note that this rating applies to models manufactured after April 2010 due to design enhancements made to the door trim to bolster side impact protection. You can verify the manufacturing date of your e class benz 2012 on the certification label located on the driver’s side door or B-pillar.
| 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 |
This table clearly illustrates the “Good” ratings across all critical aspects of the side impact test, from the structural integrity of the vehicle to the protection afforded to both front and rear occupants.
Detailed Look at Occupant Protection
The crash test meticulously measured potential injuries to both the driver and rear passenger dummies. For driver injury measures, the e class benz 2012 demonstrated “Good” protection for the head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg regions. Similarly, rear passenger injury measures also received “Good” ratings across the board. This consistent “Good” performance underscores the effectiveness of the e class benz 2012 in mitigating injury risks during side impact collisions.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012 side impact crash test – vehicle and barrier at the moment of impact
The images from the crash test provide visual confirmation of the safety systems in action. The side airbags deployed as intended, creating a protective barrier between the occupants and the intruding structure.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012 side impact test aftermath – deployed side airbags and robust occupant compartment
Greasepaint applied to the dummy heads further illustrates the effectiveness of the side airbags in preventing head contact with hard structures during the crash.
Driver-side head protection in 2012 E-Class Benz side impact test – greasepaint showing airbag contact
Rear passenger head protection in 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class side impact test – greasepaint indicating airbag effectiveness
Structural Performance and Injury Metrics
Technical measurements from the test reveal the minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment. The B-pillar intrusion relative to the driver’s seat centerline was measured at -24.0 cm, indicating that the structural design effectively resisted deformation and maintained survival space.
Detailed injury metrics further support the “Good” ratings. For instance, the driver’s Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was a low 177, and the maximum torso deflection was 38mm. Likewise, rear passenger injury measures were also low, with a Head HIC-15 of 82 and maximum torso deflection of 28mm. These measurements are well within acceptable limits, reinforcing the strong safety performance of the e class benz 2012 in side impact scenarios.
Technical measurements for this test
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. |
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 |
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 |
Conclusion: A Safe Choice in its Class
The side impact crash test results unequivocally demonstrate the strong safety performance of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, including the e class benz 2012. Achieving a “Good” overall rating and consistently strong performance across all measured parameters, the e class benz 2012 provides excellent occupant protection in side impact collisions, making it a safe and reliable choice in its vehicle class. For those prioritizing safety alongside luxury and performance, the e class benz 2012 stands out as a compelling option.
