The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Class, a luxury SUV, stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety. This analysis, drawing from rigorous side impact testing, delves into the safety performance of the 2012-2015 models, which are relevant to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Class. It’s important to note that from 2016 onwards, this model range was rebranded as the GLE-Class.
The safety evaluation focuses on models manufactured between 2012 and 2015. For context, the side torso airbags, which were standard in the 2012-2013 models, became an option for rear seat occupants starting with the 2014 models. Interestingly, the side impact ratings provided by the Institute are a combination of two tests. One test was performed on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 550 V8, equipped with standard rear side torso airbags. The second test involved a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6, specifically without the optional rear side torso airbags. The combined ratings are valid because the presence, or absence, of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during these tests. Crucially, all occupants in the rear still benefit from the standard side curtain airbags. This is largely attributed to the vehicle’s design; being a large vehicle with a 115-inch wheelbase, the impacting barrier is positioned relatively far from the rear seating area during the side impact test.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Class achieved a “Good” overall evaluation in the side impact test. This rating encompasses several key evaluation criteria, each also receiving a “Good” mark. The structural integrity and safety cage of the vehicle were rated “Good”, indicating a robust design to withstand side impacts.
Driver and Rear Passenger Safety Metrics
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures were thoroughly assessed, and both achieved “Good” ratings across all categories:
Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Torso: Good
- Pelvis/Leg: Good
- Head Protection: Good
Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Torso: Good
- Pelvis/Leg: Good
- Head Protection: Good
These “Good” ratings signify a low risk of significant injuries to these body regions in a similar side impact collision for occupants in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Class.
Technical Measurements and Intrusion
In the technical measurements, occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side was measured in two tests (VTS1115 and VTS1313). The B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of the driver’s seat showed intrusions of -20.0 cm and -19.0 cm respectively. The negative values indicate that the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, demonstrating effective structural resistance to intrusion in a side impact.
Detailed Driver and Passenger Injury Measures (VTS1115 and VTS1313 Tests)
The following tables provide detailed measurements from the two side impact tests, VTS1115 and VTS1313, offering a deeper insight into the injury metrics for both the driver and rear passenger.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (VTS1115) | Measurement (VTS1313) |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 64 | 52 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 | -0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 26 | 28 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.2 | 1.0 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 | 27 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 28 | 25 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.47 | 2.70 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.32 | 0.33 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.2 | 0.7 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.7 | 1.4 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.9 | 2.1 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 16 | 20 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 125 | 139 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (VTS1115) | Measurement (VTS1313) |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 81 | 104 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 5 | 11 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 28 | 29 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 20 | 20 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.61 | 3.23 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.26 | 0.38 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 31 | 15 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 59 | 45 |
Conclusion
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Class demonstrates robust side impact protection, achieving a “Good” overall rating. Detailed analysis of crash test data reinforces this assessment, indicating effective structural design and occupant protection systems. For prospective buyers prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML Class, or models within the 2012-2015 range, offer reassuring levels of safety performance in side impact scenarios. This data is crucial for anyone considering a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz ML Class and placing a high value on vehicle safety.
