The 2011 Mercedes-benz E-class, a vehicle synonymous with luxury and performance, also holds a strong reputation for safety. This model year, part of the W212 generation, underwent rigorous testing to ensure occupant protection in various collision scenarios. Among these, the side impact crash test is crucial for evaluating how well a vehicle safeguards its occupants in side collisions. This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, highlighting its safety performance and design features. It’s important to note that the safety rating discussed here applies to models manufactured after April 2010, as design enhancements were implemented to improve side impact protection from this date onwards.
| 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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted the side impact test on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door, which is representative of the 2011 model due to the carryover design and safety features. The tested vehicle was equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags, critical components in mitigating injury during side impacts. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved a “Good” overall rating in this challenging test, the highest possible score, indicating superior performance in protecting occupants. This “Good” rating extends across all measured categories, demonstrating comprehensive side impact protection.
Image showcasing the side impact collision between the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class test vehicle and the deformable barrier just moments after initial contact.
The evaluation criteria included a thorough assessment of the vehicle’s structure and safety cage, driver injury measures, driver head protection, rear passenger injury measures, and rear passenger head protection. In each of these critical areas, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned a “Good” rating. This consistent top-tier performance underscores the robust engineering and safety-focused design of the vehicle. Specifically, the “Good” rating for structure and safety cage signifies that the E-Class’s structural integrity is maintained during a side impact, providing a strong protective shell for the occupants.
Post-crash view of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class after the side impact test, with doors removed to reveal deployed side airbags and the extent of damage to the passenger cabin.
Driver and rear passenger injury measures further break down the evaluation, assessing potential harm to the head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg regions. Again, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received “Good” in all these subcategories for both front and rear occupants. This indicates a low risk of significant injuries to these body regions in a similar side impact scenario. Moreover, the “Good” ratings for driver and rear passenger head protection confirm the effectiveness of the side airbag system in preventing head injuries by cushioning the head and preventing contact with hard interior structures.
Close-up image with greasepaint markings on the driver-side dummy’s head, illustrating the area where the side airbag effectively prevented head contact with vehicle structures during the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class side impact crash test.
Technical measurements from the crash test provide further insight into the E-Class’s performance. The minimal occupant compartment intrusion, measured at -24.0 cm for B-pillar to the driver’s seat centerline, indicates that the structural design effectively resisted deformation into the occupant space, crucial for minimizing injury risk. Driver and passenger injury measures, such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC), neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection, pelvis forces, and femur forces and moments, were all recorded and analyzed. These measurements, all within acceptable limits, corroborate the “Good” ratings, demonstrating the vehicle’s ability to manage and dissipate crash forces effectively.
Image showing greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head after the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class side impact test, confirming the side airbag’s role in head protection for rear occupants.
In conclusion, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates exceptional side impact safety performance, earning the highest “Good” rating from IIHS across all evaluation metrics. This outstanding result reflects Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety engineering and provides assurance to prospective and current owners regarding the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in side collision events. For those considering a luxury vehicle that prioritizes safety, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out as a top contender, particularly models built after April 2010 incorporating the enhanced side impact protection features.
