The 2009 Mercedes-benz E-class, part of the model series from 2007 to 2009, underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its safety performance, particularly in side impact collisions. This analysis delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of how well this vehicle protects its occupants in such accidents.
Initially, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, redesigned for the 2007 model year with enhanced side impact protection in mind, received an “Acceptable” rating from the IIHS in its first test. This initial assessment highlighted concerns regarding high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso.
Alt text: Side impact crash test of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, showing vehicle and barrier interaction.
Mercedes-Benz responded by implementing design modifications to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007. These changes were aimed at further bolstering occupant protection during side impacts. Subsequently, the IIHS conducted a second test on a vehicle with these improvements. While this re-test demonstrated a reduction in the forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso, it wasn’t substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall safety rating. Consequently, the safety ratings for all 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models are based on the combined results of both the initial and the improved design tests.
The overall side impact evaluation for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class resulted in an Acceptable rating. However, when breaking down the evaluation criteria, the vehicle demonstrated Good protection in key areas. The structure and safety cage of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class were rated Acceptable, indicating a robust framework to withstand side impacts.
In terms of driver injury measures, the head and neck protection was rated Good, signifying effective safeguarding of these critical body regions. However, the torso protection for the driver was rated Marginal, reflecting the aforementioned concerns about forces on the torso. Pelvis and leg protection for the driver was deemed Acceptable. Furthermore, driver head protection was rated Good, reinforcing the head safety performance.
Alt text: Post-crash view of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class after side impact test, highlighting side airbag deployment and occupant compartment integrity.
For rear passenger injury measures, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showed Good ratings across the board. Head and neck, torso, and pelvis/leg protection for rear passengers were all evaluated as Good. Rear passenger head protection also received a Good rating, indicating consistent safety performance for occupants in the rear seats during side impact collisions.
Technical measurements from the crash tests provide further insight. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side reveal the extent of structural deformation. In both tests (CES0630 and CES0719), the B-pillar crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, indicating effective resistance to intrusion.
Alt text: Greasepaint markings on driver dummy head, showing airbag contact and effective head protection in 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class side impact test.
Detailed driver injury measures were also recorded. Head injury criterion (HIC-15) values were within acceptable limits in both tests. Neck tension and compression forces were low. Torso deflection measurements indicated moderate compression, aligning with the Marginal torso injury rating. Pelvis and femur injury measures were also recorded and factored into the overall assessment.
Alt text: Rear passenger dummy head with greasepaint, demonstrating side airbag protection in a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class side impact collision.
Similarly, passenger injury measures for the rear occupant showed favorable results. Head HIC-15 values were low, neck forces were minimal, and torso and pelvis injury measures were well-controlled, supporting the Good ratings for rear passenger protection.
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provides a solid level of side impact protection, particularly for head and neck injuries. While driver torso protection was rated as Marginal, improvements were made during the production run to address this. The vehicle excels in rear passenger side impact safety. These findings are crucial for prospective buyers considering a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, offering a detailed understanding of its safety performance in side collisions.
