The Mercedes-Benz GLC, since its introduction in 2016 as the successor to the GLK, has become a popular choice in the luxury compact SUV segment. For prospective buyers and current owners of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017, understanding its safety performance is paramount. This article delves into a comprehensive breakdown of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC crash test ratings, providing detailed insights into how this vehicle fares in various safety evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Driver-Side Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: Analyzing the GLC 2017’s Performance
The small overlap frontal test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or utility pole. This test is particularly challenging for vehicles due to the concentrated impact force on a small area of the car’s structure.
In the driver-side small overlap front test, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 received a Good overall rating from IIHS, the highest possible. Let’s break down the specifics:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Acceptable |
The structure and safety cage of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 held up exceptionally well in this demanding test, earning a “Good” rating. All driver injury measures – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – were also rated as “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of this type.
However, the “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics” were rated as “Acceptable.” The IIHS noted that while the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it subsequently rolled to the left. This movement occurred because the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the head and torso, causing the head to move towards a gap in coverage between the frontal and side curtain airbags. Despite this, the side curtain airbag did deploy and provided sufficient forward coverage.
Technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap test provide further detail:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 1 |
| Footrest | 10 |
| Left Toepan | 7 |
| Brake Pedal | 3 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 1 |
| Steering Column | 0 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 1 |
| Upper Dash | 2 |
| Lower Instrument Panel | 2 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 224 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.1 |
| Right | 1.0 |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 2 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | |
| Left | 0.64 |
| Right | 0.41 |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | |
| Left | 3.0 |
| Right | 1.8 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 86 |
| Right | 61 |
These measurements confirm the “Good” ratings for injury measures, indicating low forces and intrusions into the occupant compartment during the crash.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: A Comprehensive Evaluation
The passenger-side small overlap test is the counterpart to the driver-side test, assessing safety performance for the front passenger. For the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017, IIHS evaluated a 2018 model and incorporated data from a Mercedes-Benz conducted test for a comprehensive rating. The Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a Good rating in this test as well.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
In contrast to the “Acceptable” rating for driver restraints in the driver-side test, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 received “Good” ratings across the board in the passenger-side test, including both passenger and driver injury measures and restraints.
Technical measurements for the passenger-side small overlap test, incorporating both IIHS (CEP1712) and Mercedes-Benz (VTP1702) tests, are as follows:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) – Test ID: CEP1712 | Measurement (cm) – Test ID: VTP1702 |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 2 | 2 |
| Footrest | 16 | 8 |
| Right Toepan | 8 | 3 |
| Center Toepan | 4 | 3 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 0 | 0 |
| Center Dash | 1 | 1 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 2 | 3 |
| Upper Dash | 4 | 3 |
| Right Lower Dash | 4 | 4 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement – Test ID: CEP1712 | Measurement – Test ID: VTP1702 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 122 | 53 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 17 | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 | 0.20 |
| Chest | ||
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 18 | 19 |
| Femur (kN) | ||
| Left | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Right | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | ||
| Left | 1 | 1 |
| Right | 0 | 1 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | ||
| Left | 0.21 | 0.17 |
| Right | 0.81 | 0.15 |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | ||
| Left | 1.1 | 0.2 |
| Right | 4.7 | 0.5 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | ||
| Left | 68 | 41 |
| Right | 109 | 60 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger-Side Test)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement – Test ID: CEP1712 | Measurement – Test ID: VTP1702 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 105 | 42 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 7 | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.12 | 0.20 |
| Chest | ||
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 21 | 18 |
| Femur (kN) | ||
| Left | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Right | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | ||
| Left | 2 | 1 |
| Right | 3 | 3 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | ||
| Left | 0.18 | 0.27 |
| Right | 0.49 | 0.26 |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | ||
| Left | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.7 | 1.5 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | ||
| Left | 23 | 25 |
| Right | 47 | 53 |
These detailed measurements further support the “Good” ratings, showcasing effective occupant protection in passenger-side small overlap crashes.
Moderate Overlap Frontal Test: Solid Performance for the GLC 2017
In the moderate overlap frontal test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 again demonstrated excellent safety performance, earning a Good rating. This rating is based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by the IIHS.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Leg/Foot, Left | Good |
| Leg/Foot, Right | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
Technical measurements from the moderate overlap frontal test are as follows:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 1 |
| Left Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Center Footwell Intrusion | 0 |
| Right Footwell Intrusion | 0 |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion | 1 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement (Left) | 0 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement (Right) | -1 |
| Steering Column Upward Movement | -2 |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement | -7 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 131 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 25 |
| Legs | |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.8 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 0.7 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.17 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.27 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 45 |
| Right | 68 |
These measurements confirm the minimal intrusion into the occupant space and low injury measures, contributing to the “Good” overall rating.
Side Impact Test: Excellent Side Crash Protection
The side impact test assesses how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side collision. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 again achieved a Good rating in the original side test, indicating robust side crash protection.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/Leg | Good |
| Driver Head Protection | Good |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/Leg | Good |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good |
Technical measurements for the side impact test are provided below:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -24.0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 133 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 3.44 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.53 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac Force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Combined Force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Left Femur | |
| L-M Force (kN) | 0.6 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 41 |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 46 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 137 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.6 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 16 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 3.39 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.43 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac Force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Combined Force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Left Femur | |
| L-M Force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 46 |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 50 |
The negative intrusion measurement indicates that the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, highlighting the structural integrity. Low injury measurements across driver and rear passenger further support the “Good” rating.
Roof Strength Test: Robust Rollover Protection
The roof strength test measures a vehicle’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 achieved a Good rating in this test, demonstrating a strong roof structure.
| Overall Evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Curb Weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak Force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 6.04 |
A strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04 significantly exceeds the IIHS requirement for a “Good” rating, indicating excellent roof crush resistance.
Head Restraints & Seats: Good Whiplash Protection
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017‘s head restraints and seats were evaluated as Good for dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry, suggesting effective whiplash protection in rear impacts.
| Overall Evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Dynamic Rating | Good |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | Good |
Technical measurements for head restraints and seats are:
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 38 |
| Distance Below Top of Head (mm) | -14 |
| Seat Design Parameters | |
| Pass/Fail | Pass |
| Max T1 Acceleration (g) | 16.1 |
| Head Contact Time (ms) | 57 |
| Force Rating | 1 |
| Neck Forces | |
| Max Neck Shear Force (N) | 21 |
| Max Neck Tension (N) | 464 |
These measurements indicate effective head restraint positioning and low neck forces during simulated rear-impact scenarios.
Headlight Ratings: Varied Performance Depending on Trim
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime safety. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level and headlight type.
1. GLC 300 with Premium 3 Package (LED Projector, Curve-Adaptive, High-Beam Assist)
| Overall Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Good |
These top-tier headlights earned a “Good” rating due to excellent visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some low-beam limitations on curves.
2. GLC 300 with Premium 1 & LED Headlamps/Taillamps or Premium 2 & LED Headlamps/Taillamps (LED Projector Low-Beam, LED Reflector High-Beam)
| Overall Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Acceptable |
These LED headlights received an “Acceptable” rating, offering good to fair visibility in various conditions but with some glare.
3. GLC 300 Standard Trim (Halogen Reflector)
| Overall Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Marginal |
The standard halogen headlights were rated “Marginal,” with fair to inadequate visibility in many scenarios and some glare.
Front Crash Prevention: Superior Vehicle-to-Vehicle Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 offers optional and standard front crash prevention systems.
1. Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition (Premium 3 Package)
| Overall Evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
This optional system, part of the Premium 3 Package, earned a “Superior” rating. It meets forward collision warning requirements and avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests.
2. Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
| Overall Evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
The standard system also achieved a “Superior” rating, avoiding collisions in both test speeds, although it does not meet forward collision warning requirements.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH): Acceptable Ease of Use
For families, child seat anchor ease of use is important. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 LATCH system received an “Acceptable” rating.
| Overall Evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable |
While the GLC has LATCH hardware in multiple rear seating positions and tether anchors in additional positions, it was rated “Acceptable” due to factors like anchor depth and maneuverability around anchors.
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC – A Safe and Secure Choice
Overall, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 demonstrates strong safety performance across a range of IIHS crash tests. It earned Good ratings in most crashworthiness evaluations, with Superior ratings for front crash prevention systems and Good ratings for head restraints & seats and roof strength. While the driver-side small overlap test revealed an “Acceptable” rating for restraints and the base headlights were rated “Marginal,” the GLC 2017 provides a high level of safety for occupants, making it a secure choice in the luxury SUV market. Potential buyers should consider trim levels, especially headlight options, to maximize safety features.
