The 2019 Mercedes Gle 350 stands as a popular luxury SUV, and for those considering its safety aspects, understanding its performance in side impact collisions is crucial. This analysis delves into the safety ratings applicable to the 2019 Mercedes GLE 350 model, drawing upon data from rigorous testing to provide a comprehensive overview of its side impact protection capabilities. It’s important to note that these ratings are relevant to Mercedes-Benz GLE models manufactured from 2016 to 2019, encompassing the 2019 Mercedes GLE 350.
The safety evaluations are based on tests originally conducted on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the predecessor to the GLE. Specifically, a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec 4-door 4wd, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags, serves as a key reference point. The M-Class was redesigned in 2012, and from 2016 onwards, it was rebranded as the GLE-Class.
It is also important to note that from 2014 models onward, side torso airbags became optional for rear seat occupants, a change from the 2012-13 models where they were standard. The side impact ratings presented are a synthesis of two tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by the Institute. The first test involved a 2012 model ML 550 V8, which included standard rear side torso airbags. The second test was performed on a 2014 model ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 without the optional rear side torso airbags. The results from these tests are combined because the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during the tests. Critically, all occupants still benefit from the standard side curtain airbags in side impact scenarios. This is particularly relevant for larger vehicles with a long wheelbase, such as the Mercedes GLE 350, as the impact point is further away from the rear seating area.
The 2019 Mercedes GLE 350, mirroring the safety performance of the tested models, achieves an overall evaluation of “Good” in side impact crashworthiness. This “Good” rating extends across various critical aspects of the side impact test.
| 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 |
This table clearly indicates that the 2019 Mercedes GLE 350 provides robust protection in side impact crashes for both the driver and rear passengers. The structure and safety cage of the vehicle are rated “Good,” signifying that they effectively maintain their integrity during a side impact, creating a protective space for occupants.
Looking at the detailed driver injury measures, all categories – Head/Neck, Torso, and Pelvis/Leg – are rated “Good”. Similarly, for rear passenger injury measures, Head/Neck, Torso, and Pelvis/Leg protection are also rated as “Good”. Furthermore, both driver and rear passenger head protection are deemed “Good”. These “Good” ratings across the board suggest a low risk of significant injuries in a side impact collision for occupants of the 2019 Mercedes GLE 350.
For a deeper understanding, technical measurements from the tests provide granular data. The measures of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side are minimal, indicating strong resistance to deformation in the crucial driver space.
| Test ID | VTS1115 | VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
Negative numbers here signify that the intrusion stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, showcasing the structural strength of the vehicle.
Examining the driver and passenger injury measures in more detail reveals the forces and deflections recorded during the tests, all within acceptable limits indicative of a “Good” rating. For instance, Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) values are low for both driver and passenger, and measurements for neck tension, compression, shoulder deflection, torso deflection, and pelvic forces are all within ranges that correspond to good protection levels.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 64 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.47 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.8 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 16 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 125 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 81 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 5 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.61 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.26 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 31 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 59 |
In conclusion, based on these safety evaluations, the 2019 Mercedes GLE 350 offers a “Good” level of side impact protection. This rating applies to models within the 2016-2019 GLE range and is underpinned by rigorous testing and analysis of both structural performance and injury measures. For prospective buyers prioritizing safety, the 2019 Mercedes GLE 350 demonstrates a commendable level of protection in side collision scenarios.
