The 2018 Mercedes-benz Gle stands as a testament to luxury and performance, but how does it fare when it comes to safety? For those prioritizing passenger protection, understanding vehicle safety ratings is crucial. This article delves into the side impact safety performance of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE, providing a comprehensive overview based on rigorous testing.
The safety evaluation discussed here applies to Mercedes-Benz GLE models manufactured from 2016 to 2019. It’s important to note that while the GLE nameplate was introduced in 2016, this model is rooted in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, which underwent a redesign in 2012. The safety ratings are derived from tests conducted on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec 4-door 4wd. This vehicle was equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags, along with standard front seat-mounted torso airbags, features directly relevant to side impact protection.
Understanding the specifics of the side impact test is key to interpreting the safety rating. For the Mercedes-Benz GLE (and previously the M-Class), side impact evaluations are based on two tests performed by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by safety authorities. The first test utilized a 2012 ML 550 V8 model, which included standard rear side torso airbags. The second test involved a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 without the optional rear side torso airbags, which became an option starting in 2014 models but were standard in 2012-2013 models.
Interestingly, the combined ratings from these tests indicate that the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags had minimal impact on rear occupant protection during side impacts. This is largely attributed to the vehicle’s design. Being a large vehicle with a substantial 115-inch wheelbase, the point of impact from the intruding barrier is relatively far from the rear seating area. Crucially, all occupants, including those in the rear, benefit from the standard side curtain airbags, which play a significant role in head protection during side collisions.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE achieved an overall “Good” rating in side impact evaluations. This “Good” rating extends across various critical aspects of the test, indicating robust occupant protection. The vehicle’s structure and safety cage were also rated “Good,” signifying a well-engineered frame designed to withstand side impacts and maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment.
Furthermore, injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger were rated “Good” across all categories: head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg. This consistent “Good” performance across different body regions demonstrates a comprehensive approach to occupant safety in side impact scenarios. Head protection for both driver and rear passenger also received the highest possible rating of “Good,” reinforcing the effectiveness of the standard side curtain airbags and overall vehicle design in mitigating head injuries.
While technical measurements provide a deeper dive into the specifics of crash performance, the overall “Good” rating for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE in side impact safety offers reassurance to potential buyers. This rating, derived from rigorous testing and evaluation, highlights the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety in the event of a side collision. For families and individuals alike, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE provides not only luxury and performance but also dependable safety.
