The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a luxury vehicle renowned for its performance and sophistication, also stands out for its commitment to safety. This article delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test results for the Mercedes E-Class, specifically focusing on models manufactured after December 2002, which are generally considered the 2004 model year onwards. These models incorporated crucial structural enhancements to bolster occupant protection in frontal offset collisions.
The IIHS conducted a rigorous 40 mph frontal offset crash test on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-door model, representative of the improved 2004 Mercedes E-Class design. The evaluation aimed to assess the vehicle’s crashworthiness and its ability to safeguard occupants in a significant frontal impact.
The results were overwhelmingly positive, with the 2004 Mercedes E-Class earning the highest possible overall rating of “Good”. This top-tier score reflects the vehicle’s exceptional performance across various critical evaluation criteria, demonstrating robust safety engineering.
| 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 | A |
The structural integrity of the 2004 Mercedes E-Class proved to be a key strength. The “Good” rating for “Structure and safety cage” indicates that the vehicle’s frame effectively maintained its shape during the crash. This robust structure is fundamental in preserving the occupant survival space and minimizing intrusion into the passenger compartment.
In terms of driver injury measures, the 2004 Mercedes E-Class also excelled, achieving “Good” ratings across all categories. The assessments for head/neck, chest, and leg/foot (both left and right) injuries were all at the highest level. This signifies a low risk of significant injuries to these critical body regions in a frontal offset crash scenario for the 2004 Mercedes E-Class.
Action shot from IIHS frontal offset crash test of 2004 Mercedes E-Class, demonstrating vehicle impact and structural performance.
The evaluation of “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics” received an “Acceptable” rating. While still a positive outcome, the detailed report noted that during the rebound phase of the crash, the test dummy’s head moved partially out of the open window, making contact with the B-pillar and window frame. However, it’s important to note that head acceleration from this contact was measured as low, suggesting minimal risk of serious head injury despite this contact point.
Post-crash dummy position inside the 2004 Mercedes E-Class, showing well-maintained driver survival space and effective airbag deployment.
Further analysis of the dummy’s position relative to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash reinforced the finding that the driver’s survival space was exceptionally well maintained in the 2004 Mercedes E-Class. This is a crucial factor in minimizing injuries during a severe frontal impact.
Greasepaint on B-pillar and window frame of 2004 Mercedes E-Class, indicating head contact during rebound, but with low acceleration forces recorded.
Measurements of forces on the dummy’s legs and feet were also recorded as low. This indicates that the 2004 Mercedes E-Class design effectively mitigates lower extremity injuries, which are often a concern in frontal collisions.
Close-up view of the dummy’s lower body after the 2004 Mercedes E-Class crash test, highlighting minimal forces on legs and feet.
In conclusion, the IIHS crash test results for the 2004 Mercedes E-Class demonstrate a strong commitment to occupant safety. The vehicle’s “Good” overall rating, underpinned by excellent scores in structural integrity and driver injury prevention, positions the 2004 Mercedes E-Class as a safe and reliable choice within its class. These findings provide valuable insights for prospective buyers and underscore Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to safety engineering in the 2004 E-Class model.
Technical measurements for this test
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Left (cm) | 7 |
| Center (cm) | 9 |
| Right (cm) | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 5 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -2 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 1 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 230 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 40 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 24 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 2.8 |
| 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 (g) | |
| Left | 48 |
| Right | 60 |
