The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 model, specifically those manufactured after December 2002, showcases significant structural enhancements aimed at superior occupant protection during frontal offset collisions. This evaluation is based on rigorous testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), providing crucial insights for safety-conscious drivers and potential owners of the Mercedes Benz E Class 2004.
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test Results for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004
The IIHS subjected the mercedes benz e class 2004 to a 40 mph frontal offset crash test, assessing its crashworthiness and safety performance. The results are categorized by overall evaluation, structural integrity, driver injury measures, and the effectiveness of restraints.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage of Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 | G |
| Driver Injury Measures in Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 | |
| Head/Neck Protection | G |
| Chest Protection | G |
| Leg/Foot, Left Side | G |
| Leg/Foot, Right Side | G |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics in Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 | A |
The mercedes benz e class 2004 achieved an overall rating of “Good” (G), the highest possible, indicating excellent crashworthiness. Notably, the structure and safety cage of the vehicle also earned a “Good” rating, demonstrating its ability to maintain structural integrity during a frontal offset crash. Driver injury measures were equally impressive, with “Good” ratings across all categories including head/neck, chest, and legs/feet, for both left and right sides.
Action during the IIHS frontal offset crash test of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004, highlighting vehicle deformation and safety system engagement.
However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” (A) rating. The test revealed that while dummy movement was generally well-controlled, during rebound, the dummy’s head partially exited the open window, impacting the B-pillar and window frame. Despite this, head acceleration from this contact remained low, mitigating potential injury severity.
Post-crash dummy position inside the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004, illustrating the preserved driver survival space after the frontal offset impact.
Greasepaint marking on the B-pillar and window frame of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004, indicating head contact during the crash test rebound phase.
Analysis of leg and foot forces on the crash test dummy inside the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004, showing low injury risk in the lower extremities.
Technical Measurements: Occupant Compartment Intrusion and Driver Injury in Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004
Detailed technical measurements from the crash test provide a deeper understanding of the mercedes benz e class 2004’s safety performance. These measurements quantify occupant compartment intrusion and potential driver injuries.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion – Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Left (cm) | 7 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Center (cm) | 9 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Right (cm) | 4 |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion (cm) | 5 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Left (cm) | 0 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering Column Upward Movement (cm) | 1 |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement (cm) | -2 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement (cm) | 1 |
These measurements indicate a controlled level of occupant compartment intrusion. Notably, instrument panel rearward movement was minimal, and steering column movement was also limited, contributing to the maintenance of driver survival space. Footwell intrusion was present but within acceptable limits.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head – HIC-15 | 230 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | 40 |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Neck – Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 24 |
| Neck – Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest – Maximum Compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs – Femur Force – Left (kN) | 2.8 |
| Legs – Femur Force – Right (kN) | 2.4 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.45 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.71 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 3.8 |
| Foot Acceleration – Left (g) | 48 |
| Foot Acceleration – Right (g) | 60 |
Driver injury measures were low across the board. Head injury criterion (HIC) and peak head acceleration were well below critical thresholds. Neck forces and moments were also low, indicating a low risk of neck injury. Chest compression was minimal, and forces on femurs and tibias were also low, suggesting a reduced likelihood of significant leg and foot injuries in a frontal offset crash for the mercedes benz e class 2004.
Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Offers Robust Safety Performance
The IIHS frontal offset crash test results demonstrate that the mercedes benz e class 2004, specifically models built after December 2002, provides a high level of safety for its occupants in frontal collisions. With an overall “Good” rating and strong performance in structural integrity and driver injury measures, the mercedes benz e class 2004 stands as a safe and reliable choice within its vehicle class for the model year. While the “Acceptable” rating for restraints highlights an area for potential improvement, the overall safety profile of the mercedes benz e class 2004 is commendable and provides valuable assurance for drivers and passengers.
