The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 marked its debut as a replacement for the GLK model, entering the luxury SUV market with a promise of sophistication and safety. For prospective owners and automotive enthusiasts focused on safety, understanding the vehicle’s performance in rigorous crash tests is crucial. This article delves into the safety ratings of the Mercedes Glc 2017, providing a comprehensive overview based on evaluations from leading safety institutions.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Assessment
The small overlap front crash test represents a challenging scenario where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a rigid barrier. This test is critical for evaluating how well a vehicle’s structure and safety systems protect the driver in such demanding collisions.
Driver-Side Performance Analysis
The Mercedes GLC 2017 underwent the driver-side small overlap front test, achieving a “Good” overall rating. This top-tier rating signifies robust protection for the driver in this type of accident.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
The structure and safety cage of the Mercedes GLC 2017 demonstrated “Good” integrity, maintaining the survival space for the driver effectively. Injury measures for the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries in these areas.
However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The test results indicated that while the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it subsequently rolled to the left. This movement suggests that the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the head and torso, causing the head to move towards the gap between the frontal and side curtain airbags. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structures and external objects.
Technical measurements from the driver-side test provide a deeper insight into the Mercedes GLC 2017’s performance. Occupant compartment intrusion was minimal, with maximum intrusion at the footrest measured at 10 cm. Driver injury measures were also low across the board, with a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 224 and chest maximum compression of 23 mm. Femur and tibia forces were well within acceptable limits, further confirming the “Good” injury ratings.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Assessment
Extending the small overlap evaluation to the passenger side is crucial for ensuring occupant safety across the vehicle. The passenger-side test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses the protection offered to the front passenger.
Passenger-Side Performance Analysis
The Mercedes GLC 2017 also excelled in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test, earning a “Good” overall rating. This evaluation was based on two tests conducted on a 2018 model, one by the Institute and another by Mercedes-Benz, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Both the structure and safety cage, and all injury measures for both passenger and driver dummies were rated “Good.” This indicates consistent and high-level protection for occupants in the front seats during a passenger-side small overlap frontal crash. The passenger restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” contrasting with the “Acceptable” rating in the driver-side test and demonstrating improved passenger-side restraint performance.
Technical data from the passenger-side tests, including both Institute and Mercedes-Benz conducted tests, show minimal occupant compartment intrusion. While forces on the right lower leg in the Institute’s test were slightly elevated, suggesting a marginal risk of injury, the Mercedes-Benz test showed low injury risk to both legs and feet. HIC-15 values were low in both tests (122 and 53), and chest compression remained minimal (18 and 19 mm), reinforcing the “Good” ratings. Driver injury measures recorded during the passenger-side test were also consistently low.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front crash test simulates a frontal collision where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front width engages with a barrier. This test is a foundational assessment of frontal crash protection.
Moderate Overlap Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test. This rating, based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz and evaluated by the Institute, confirms strong frontal impact protection.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The structure and safety cage again earned a “Good” rating, and all driver injury measures – head/neck, chest, and leg/foot (both left and right) – were also rated “Good.” Driver restraints and dummy kinematics performed well, contributing to the overall “Good” assessment.
Technical measurements for the moderate overlap test indicated minimal footwell intrusion and instrument panel movement. Steering column movement was actually rearward and upward, which is a beneficial design response in a frontal crash, moving the steering wheel away from the driver. Driver injury measures were low, with a HIC-15 of 131 and chest compression of 25 mm. Femur and tibia forces and knee displacement were also minimal, supporting the “Good” injury ratings for legs and feet.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Assessment
Side impact crashes pose significant risks, and evaluating a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in such events is paramount. The side crash test assesses structural integrity and the effectiveness of side airbags and occupant protection systems.
Side Impact Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 received a “Good” rating in the side crash test. This evaluation, based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz, underscores the vehicle’s robust side impact protection.
| 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 |
The Mercedes GLC 2017 demonstrated “Good” performance across all evaluation criteria for both driver and rear passenger. Structure and safety cage integrity, driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg), driver head protection, rear passenger injury measures, and rear passenger head protection all received “Good” ratings. This comprehensive “Good” performance in side impact underscores the vehicle’s all-around safety design.
Technical measurements for the side impact test showed minimal B-pillar intrusion into the occupant space. Driver and passenger injury measures were low. Head HIC-15 values were 133 for the driver and 137 for the passenger, indicating low head injury risk. Torso deflection and viscous criterion were also minimal, as were pelvis and femur forces, reinforcing the “Good” injury ratings across body regions.
Roof Strength Evaluation
Roof strength is a critical factor in rollover accidents. The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in such events, protecting occupants from injury.
Roof Strength Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 earned a “Good” rating for roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04, the roof demonstrated significant resistance to crushing forces.
| Overall Evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.04 |
This “Good” rating indicates that the Mercedes GLC 2017 provides strong roof crush protection, enhancing occupant safety in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Assessment
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing neck injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions. Evaluating their dynamic performance and geometry is crucial for overall safety.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints & seats. Both the dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good.”
| Overall Evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Technical measurements confirmed effective head restraint geometry and dynamic performance. Backset and distance below the top of the head were within optimal ranges. Maximum T1 acceleration and neck forces were low, indicating good protection against whiplash and related neck injuries in rear impacts.
Headlights Evaluation
Headlight performance is crucial for visibility and accident prevention during nighttime driving. Headlight ratings evaluate the illumination provided under various driving conditions and glare produced.
Headlight System Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level and headlight type. Three different headlight variations were evaluated:
Trim Level with Premium 3 Package (LED Projector Headlights)
This trim with LED projector headlights and curve-adaptive and high-beam assist features received a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | G |
Low beams provided good visibility on straightaways and curves, with some glare noted. High beams offered fair to good visibility, and high-beam assist compensated for low beam limitations on curves.
Trim Levels with Premium 1 & 2 and LED Headlamps/Taillamps Packages (LED Projector/Reflector Headlights)
These trims, equipped with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, received an “Acceptable” overall rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | A |
Low beams provided good to fair visibility, with some glare. High beams offered good to fair visibility.
GLC 300 Trim (Halogen Reflector Headlights)
The base GLC 300 trim with halogen reflector headlights received a “Marginal” overall rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | M |
Low beams provided fair to inadequate visibility, with glare. High beams offered good to inadequate visibility.
The headlight ratings indicate that opting for the Premium 3 package with LED projector headlights provides the best visibility and safety performance for the Mercedes GLC 2017.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Evaluation
Front crash prevention systems are essential for mitigating or avoiding frontal collisions. These systems are evaluated for their ability to warn drivers and automatically brake to prevent or reduce crash severity.
Front Crash Prevention Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 front crash prevention system performance varies based on the system configuration.
Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition (Premium 3 Package)
When equipped with the optional Pre-Safe Brake system, the Mercedes GLC 2017 received a “Superior” rating.
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Package name | Optional Premium 3 Package |
This system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
The standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus system also received a “Superior” rating, although it does not meet forward collision warning requirements.
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| System details | Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus |
Despite not meeting forward collision warning criteria, this standard system also avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, demonstrating effective automatic emergency braking capabilities.
Both systems offer superior front crash prevention for the Mercedes GLC 2017, enhancing its safety profile.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Evaluation
Child seat anchors (LATCH) make installing child safety seats easier and more secure. The LATCH system evaluation assesses the ease of use and accessibility of these anchors.
LATCH System Performance
The Mercedes GLC 2017 LATCH system received an “Acceptable” rating.
| Overall Evaluation | A |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | GLC 300 |
| Seat type | leatherette |
The Mercedes GLC 2017 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with only a tether anchor. While generally acceptable, the lower anchors were noted as being difficult to maneuver around in certain seating positions.
Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 Safety Excellence
Overall, the Mercedes GLC 2017 demonstrates robust safety performance across a range of crash tests and safety system evaluations. It achieved “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness evaluations, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. Front crash prevention systems are rated “Superior,” and headlight ratings vary from “Good” to “Marginal” depending on the trim and headlight package. The LATCH system is rated “Acceptable.”
For buyers prioritizing safety, the Mercedes GLC 2017 stands out as a safe and well-protected luxury SUV, particularly when equipped with the Premium 3 package for optimal headlights and front crash prevention. Its strong performance in crash tests and available advanced safety features make it a compelling choice in its class.
