The 2008 Mercedes E Class, part of the 2007-2009 model range, underwent significant re-engineering with a strong focus on enhancing occupant protection, particularly in side impact collisions. Initially tested by safety authorities, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door model, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted and rear door-mounted torso airbags, received an “Acceptable” rating. This initial assessment was primarily due to elevated force readings on the driver dummy’s torso during side impact tests.
Recognizing the need for further improvement, Mercedes implemented design changes to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007. A subsequent test was conducted on this improved design to evaluate the effectiveness of these modifications. While this test demonstrated a reduction in forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso, it was not substantial enough to alter the torso injury rating or the overall safety assessment. Consequently, the safety ratings for all 2007-09 Mercedes E Class models are based on the combined results of both tests.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Torso | Marginal |
| Pelvis/leg | Acceptable |
| Driver head protection | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good |
View of the Mercedes E Class 2008 and the deformable barrier immediately after the second crash test, illustrating the point of impact and vehicle deformation.
Post-crash view of the Mercedes E Class 2008 with doors removed, revealing the deployment of side airbags and the extent of damage to the occupant compartment following the side impact collision.
Greasepaint markings on the driver dummy’s head indicate the area where the side airbags effectively prevented contact with hard structures during the initial side impact test of the Mercedes E Class 2008.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head demonstrates the protective coverage provided by the side airbags, preventing head injury by cushioning impact with vehicle structures in the second Mercedes E Class 2008 side impact test.
Technical measurements from these tests provide a deeper understanding of the Mercedes E Class 2008’s side impact performance.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side (cm)
| Test ID | CES0630 | CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -7.5 | -9.0 |
| Negative values indicate crush stopped short of seat centerline. |
These measurements reflect the extent of intrusion into the occupant space during the side impact, crucial for assessing structural integrity and occupant safety.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 132 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 53 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 46 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 5.19 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 1.33 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 3.1 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 5.5 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 147 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 52 |
These metrics detail the forces and deflections experienced by the driver dummy during the side impact, indicating potential injury risks to different body regions.
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 42 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 1.0 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.59 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 88 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | -25 |
Similarly, these passenger injury measures assess the safety performance for rear occupants in a side impact scenario.
In conclusion, the Mercedes E Class 2008 demonstrates a solid commitment to safety, achieving an overall “Acceptable” rating in side impact crash tests. While the driver torso protection was initially a concern, design improvements were implemented, and the vehicle still provides good to acceptable protection for occupants in side collisions, as validated by comprehensive crash testing and detailed injury measurements. For those considering a Mercedes E Class 2008, these safety ratings offer valuable insights into its crashworthiness and occupant protection capabilities.
