The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a beacon of luxury and safety in the automotive world. Redesigned for the 2017 model year, this iteration of the E-Class has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. This article delves into the comprehensive safety ratings of the 2018 Mercedes E-Class, providing a detailed analysis of its performance in various crash tests and safety evaluations.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Assessment
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. For the driver-side assessment of the 2018 Mercedes E Class, the results are exceptionally positive.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest rating possible. Key evaluation criteria and their corresponding “Good” ratings include:
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good,” indicating the vehicle’s structural integrity held up well during the crash.
- Driver Injury Measures: All critical injury measures for the head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot were rated “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries in this type of accident for the driver of a 2018 Mercedes E Class.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Also rated “Good,” highlighting the effectiveness of the seat belts and airbags in controlling the driver dummy’s movement during the crash.
Technical measurements from the test further illustrate the robust performance of the 2018 Mercedes E Class:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Intrusion | 2 cm |
| Footrest Intrusion | 6 cm |
| Steering Column Movement | 0 cm |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 173 |
| Neck Tension | 0.7 kN |
| Chest Compression | 28 mm |
These measurements confirm minimal intrusion into the driver’s space and low injury readings, reinforcing the “Good” rating for the 2018 Mercedes E Class in this challenging crash scenario.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Performance
Extending safety to all occupants, the passenger-side small overlap front test evaluates protection for the front passenger. The 2018 Mercedes E Class once again demonstrated commendable safety performance.
Similar to the driver-side, the 2018 Mercedes E Class earned an overall “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The vehicle maintained “Good” ratings in:
- Structure and Safety Cage
- Passenger Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Chest, Hip/Thigh, Lower Leg/Foot)
- Driver Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Chest, Hip/Thigh, Lower Leg/Foot)
However, the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The report noted: “The dummy’s face largely remained in contact with the frontal airbag, but its head still moved too far to the right toward the gap in coverage between the frontal and side curtain airbags.” Despite this “Acceptable” rating in one sub-category, the overall “Good” rating for the passenger-side test underlines the robust safety of the 2018 Mercedes E Class for front occupants.
Key technical measurements from the passenger-side test include:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Intrusion | 5 cm |
| Footrest Intrusion | 14 cm |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Intrusion | 6 cm |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 205 |
| Neck Tension | 0.7 kN |
| Chest Compression | 23 mm |
These measurements show slightly higher intrusion values on the passenger side compared to the driver side, but injury measures remained low, confirming effective occupant protection in the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front crash test represents a more traditional frontal collision scenario. The 2018 Mercedes E Class excelled in this evaluation.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. It consistently scored “Good” in all evaluation categories:
- Structure and Safety Cage
- Driver Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Chest, Leg/Foot – Left & Right)
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
This perfect score sheet underscores the exceptional frontal crash protection offered by the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Technical measurements from the moderate overlap test highlight the controlled impact and minimal occupant compartment deformation in the 2018 Mercedes E Class:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Footrest Intrusion | 1 cm |
| Left Footwell Intrusion | 1 cm |
| Steering Column Upward Movement | -3 cm |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement | -6 cm |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 180 |
| Neck Tension | 1.3 kN |
| Chest Compression | 34 mm |
These measurements indicate very low levels of intrusion and movement within the occupant compartment, contributing to the “Good” safety rating of the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Assessment
Side impacts pose significant risks, and the side crash test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in such collisions. The 2018 Mercedes E Class demonstrated top-tier performance in the side impact assessment.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class secured a “Good” overall rating in the side crash test, with “Good” ratings across all subcategories:
- Structure and Safety Cage
- Driver Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Torso, Pelvis/Leg)
- Driver Head Protection
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Torso, Pelvis/Leg)
- Rear Passenger Head Protection
This comprehensive “Good” rating in all aspects of the side impact test showcases the excellent side-impact safety of the 2018 Mercedes E Class for both front and rear occupants.
Technical measurements from the side impact test further detail the impressive performance of the 2018 Mercedes E Class:
| Measurement | Driver Value | Passenger Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 158 | 108 |
| Neck Tension | 0.7 kN | 0.4 kN |
| Torso Maximum Deflection | 32 mm | 9 mm |
| Pelvis Combined Force | 2.6 kN | 1.8 kN |
These low injury measures for both driver and rear passenger reinforce the “Good” rating and highlight the superior side-impact protection of the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Roof Strength Evaluation
Roof strength is crucial for rollover protection. The 2018 Mercedes E Class roof strength was rigorously tested.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class achieved a “Good” overall rating for roof strength. Key metrics from the test include:
- Curb Weight: 3,803 lbs
- Peak Force: 23,517 lbs
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 6.18
A strength-to-weight ratio of 6.18 significantly exceeds the IIHS requirement for a “Good” rating, demonstrating the robust roof structure of the 2018 Mercedes E Class and its ability to withstand rollover forces.
Head Restraints & Seats Assessment
Whiplash protection is an important safety aspect, and head restraints play a critical role. The 2018 Mercedes E Class head restraints and seats were evaluated for their effectiveness.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class with power leather seats received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints & seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good.”
Key technical measurements from the head restraint test include:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Backset | 22 mm |
| Distance Below Top of Head | -30 mm |
| Max T1 Acceleration | 15.7 g |
| Max Neck Tension | 480 N |
These measurements indicate favorable head restraint geometry and dynamic performance, contributing to the “Good” rating and effective whiplash protection in the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Headlight Ratings: Ensuring Visibility
Visibility is paramount for accident prevention. The 2018 Mercedes E Class offers different headlight variations, and their ratings vary accordingly.
For the 2018 Mercedes E Class E 300 trim equipped with the Premium II and Premium III packages, featuring LED projector low and high beams with curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, the headlight system earned a “Good” overall rating.
In contrast, the standard 2018 Mercedes E Class E 300 trim with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, without curve-adaptive or high-beam assist, received an “Acceptable” overall rating.
While both headlight systems provide adequate illumination, the “Good” rated system with Premium packages offers superior performance, particularly in curve visibility and glare control for the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Assessment
Crash prevention technology is increasingly important. The 2018 Mercedes E Class offers advanced front crash prevention systems.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class equipped with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (part of the Premium 3 Package) achieved a “Superior” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
For the standard 2018 Mercedes E Class with standard Active Brake Assist, a “Superior” rating was also achieved.
Both systems successfully avoided collisions in 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meet forward collision warning requirements, showcasing the effective front crash prevention capabilities of the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Evaluation
Child passenger safety is a top priority for families. The 2018 Mercedes E Class LATCH system for child seat anchors was evaluated for ease of use.
The 2018 Mercedes E Class received a “Good” overall rating for its LATCH system. It features 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The lower anchors were found to be easy to locate and maneuver around, contributing to the “Good” rating for child seat installation in the 2018 Mercedes E Class.
Conclusion: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – A Safety Leader
Overall, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a wide range of evaluations. With “Good” ratings in most crash tests, superior front crash prevention systems, and a well-rated LATCH system, the 2018 Mercedes E Class stands out as a safety leader in its class. While headlight ratings vary by trim, the availability of a “Good” rated headlight system and the consistently high scores in crashworthiness make the 2018 Mercedes E Class a top choice for safety-conscious buyers. These results reaffirm the commitment of Mercedes-Benz to providing vehicles that prioritize occupant safety and offer advanced protection in various accident scenarios.
