The Mercedes-Benz GLC, since its introduction in 2016 as the successor to the GLK, has consistently been a vehicle of interest for those prioritizing safety. For prospective owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, understanding its safety performance is paramount. This detailed analysis delves into the crashworthiness and safety features of the 2020-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC models, drawing upon rigorous testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Assessment
The small overlap front test replicates a scenario where the vehicle’s front corner collides with a narrow object like a tree or pole. The driver-side small overlap test of the Mercedes-Benz GLC reveals crucial insights into occupant protection.
Driver-Side Crashworthiness Evaluation
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrated a “Good” rating in the critical aspects of structure and safety cage integrity, along with all driver injury measures. This signifies a robust structural design effectively safeguarding the driver from significant injuries in a driver-side small overlap collision.
However, the “Acceptable” rating for driver restraints and dummy kinematics indicates a potential area for improvement. While the dummy’s head made contact with the frontal airbag, it exhibited excessive movement, rolling to the left due to seat belt slack. The side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage.
Despite the noted restraint issue, measurements confirmed that the driver’s survival space was well-maintained. Intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal, suggesting a low risk of leg and foot injuries.
Technical Data: Driver-Side Small Overlap Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 1 |
| Footrest | 10 | |
| Left Toepan | 7 | |
| Brake Pedal | 3 | |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 1 | |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Steering Column | 0 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 1 | |
| Upper Dash | 2 | |
| Lower Instrument Panel | 2 |
| Injury Measure | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 224 |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 10 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (Left) | Force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Femur (Right) | Force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Tibia Index (Left) | Maximum | 0.64 |
| Tibia Index (Right) | Maximum | 0.41 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
Expanding on the frontal crash assessment, the passenger-side small overlap test is equally vital for a comprehensive safety profile of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Passenger-Side Crashworthiness Performance
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a “Good” rating across all categories in the passenger-side small overlap test. This robust performance, validated through tests by both the IIHS and Mercedes-Benz, underscores the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
The structural integrity held up well, maintaining passenger survival space effectively. Both frontal and side curtain airbags functioned optimally, providing excellent protection against head injuries.
While the passenger space remained secure in both IIHS and Mercedes-Benz tests, the IIHS test indicated slightly elevated forces on the right lower leg, suggesting a marginal possibility of injury. However, the Mercedes-Benz test showed low injury risks for both legs and feet.
Technical Data: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | IIHS Test (cm) | Mercedes-Benz Test (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 2 | 2 |
| Footrest | 16 | 8 | |
| Right Toepan | 8 | 3 | |
| Center Toepan | 4 | 3 | |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 0 | 0 | |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion | Center Dash | 1 | 1 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 2 | 3 | |
| Upper Dash | 4 | 3 | |
| Right Lower Dash | 4 | 4 |
| Injury Measure | Metric | IIHS Test | Mercedes-Benz Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 122 | 53 |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 | 0.20 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 18 | 19 |
| Femur (Right) | Force (kN) | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Tibia Index (Right) | Maximum | 0.81 | 0.15 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front test simulates a more common type of frontal collision where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end absorbs the impact.
Moderate Overlap Frontal Crash Performance
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Leg/Foot, Left | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Leg/Foot, Right | Good (G) |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC again secured a “Good” rating across the board in the moderate overlap front test. This consistent top-tier performance demonstrates the vehicle’s robust frontal impact protection capabilities.
Technical Data: Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion | Footrest | 1 |
| Left | 1 | |
| Center | 0 | |
| Right | 0 | |
| Brake Pedal | 1 | |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement (Left) | 0 | |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement (Right) | -1 | |
| Steering Column Movement – Upward | -2 | |
| Steering Column Movement – Rearward | -7 | |
| A-pillar Rearward Movement | 0 |
| Injury Measure | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head | HIC-15 | 131 |
| Neck | Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 | |
| Chest | Maximum Compression (mm) | 25 |
| Femur Force – Left | (kN) | 0.8 |
| Femur Force – Right | (kN) | 0.7 |
| Tibia Index – Left | Maximum | 0.17 |
| Tibia Index – Right | Maximum | 0.27 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Assessment
Side impacts are particularly dangerous, and the side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in such collisions.
Side Impact Crashworthiness Evaluation
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver Injury Measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Driver Head Protection | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good (G) |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC once again achieved a “Good” rating across all metrics in the side crash test, indicating exceptional side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Technical Data: Side Impact Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to Longitudinal Centerline of Driver’s Seat | (cm) | -24.0 |
| Driver Injury Measure | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 133 | |
| Neck Tension | (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression | (kN) | 0.3 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection | (mm) | 32 |
| Pelvis Combined Force | (kN) | 2.2 |
| Passenger Injury Measure | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 137 | |
| Neck Tension | (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression | (kN) | 0.6 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection | (mm) | 36 |
| Pelvis Combined Force | (kN) | 1.9 |
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is a crucial factor in rollover accidents. A strong roof can prevent serious injuries by maintaining occupant space.
Roof Strength Performance
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 6.04 |
| Peak Force | 24,311 lbs |
| Curb Weight | 4,026 lbs |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasts a “Good” rating for roof strength, with an impressive strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04. This signifies that the roof can withstand over six times the vehicle’s weight, providing substantial protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Effective head restraints and seats are essential in preventing whiplash and other neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Dynamic Rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | Good (G) |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieves a “Good” rating for head restraints & seats, both in dynamic testing and geometric evaluation, indicating effective protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Data: Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Backset | (mm) | 38 |
| Distance Below Top of Head | (mm) | -14 |
| Max T1 Acceleration | (g) | 16.1 |
| Head Contact Time | (ms) | 57 |
| Max Neck Shear Force | (N) | 21 |
| Max Neck Tension | (N) | 464 |
Headlight System Performance
Headlight effectiveness is a critical safety feature, especially for nighttime driving. The IIHS evaluates headlight performance based on illumination and glare. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC has two headlight variations, with differing ratings.
Headlight Rating – Exterior Lighting Package (LED Projector)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Good (G) |
| Low-Beam Headlight Type | LED projector |
| High-Beam Headlight Type | LED projector |
| Curve-Adaptive | Yes |
| High-Beam Assist | Yes |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC models equipped with the Exterior Lighting package and LED projector headlights achieve a “Good” overall rating. These headlights provide good visibility on straightaways and curves, with low beams that do not produce excessive glare. High-beam assist further enhances visibility in various driving conditions.
Headlight Rating – Standard Trim (LED Reflector)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Poor (P) |
| Low-Beam Headlight Type | LED reflector |
| High-Beam Headlight Type | LED reflector |
| Curve-Adaptive | No |
| High-Beam Assist | No |
In contrast, the standard trim 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC with LED reflector headlights receives a “Poor” overall rating. These headlights offer inadequate visibility, particularly on curves and the right side of the road in low beams, indicating a significant safety compromise compared to the optional lighting package.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle & Pedestrian
Advanced front crash prevention systems are increasingly important in mitigating accidents. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers an optional system that excels in both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian scenarios.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| System Details | Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function |
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph Test | Impact speed reduced by 22 mph |
With the optional Active Brake Assist, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC earns a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. The system effectively avoided collisions in the 12 mph test and significantly reduced impact speed in the 25 mph test, demonstrating robust performance.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention (Daytime)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| System Details | Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function |
| Crossing Child (12 mph & 25 mph) | Collision Avoided / Impact speed reduced by 23 mph |
| Crossing Adult (12 mph & 25 mph) | Collision Avoided / Impact speed reduced by 22 mph |
| Parallel Adult (25 mph & 37 mph) | Collision Avoided / Impact speed reduced by 30 mph |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC with the optional Active Brake Assist also achieves a “Superior” rating for pedestrian front crash prevention. The system demonstrated excellent performance in avoiding or mitigating collisions with both child and adult pedestrians in various scenarios, highlighting its comprehensive preventative safety capabilities.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchor ease of use is crucial for ensuring children are safely secured.
LATCH System Evaluation
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Number of Rear Seating Positions with Complete LATCH | 2 |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC receives an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system. It offers two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. While functional, the system is rated “Acceptable” due to some difficulty in maneuvering around the lower anchors in certain seating positions.
Conclusion: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Safety Performance
Overall, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrates strong safety performance across a wide range of IIHS crash tests and evaluations. It consistently achieves “Good” ratings in crashworthiness categories, indicating a well-engineered structure and effective occupant protection. The availability of a “Superior” rated front crash prevention system further enhances its safety profile.
However, potential buyers should note the “Acceptable” rating for driver restraints in the driver-side small overlap test and the “Poor” rating for standard headlights. Opting for the Exterior Lighting package with LED projector headlights and the Driver Assistance Package with Active Brake Assist is highly recommended to maximize the safety potential of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Despite minor areas for improvement, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands as a safe and reliable choice in the luxury SUV segment.
