The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, but how does the 2019 model fare when it comes to safety? For prospective buyers and safety-conscious drivers, understanding crash test ratings is crucial. This article delves into the safety performance of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, drawing on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to provide a comprehensive overview.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or pole. In the driver-side small overlap test for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4-door (note that ratings apply to 2015-21 models, providing relevant context for the 2019 model), the C-Class demonstrated strong structural integrity.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | A (Acceptable) |
The C-Class earned a “Good” rating for structure and safety cage, indicating that the vehicle effectively maintained its structural space during the crash. Injury measures for the driver were also rated “Good” across all categories except for driver restraints and dummy kinematics, which received an “Acceptable” rating. This was due to the dummy’s head contacting the frontal airbag and rolling to the left, suggesting excessive forward movement allowed by the seat belt. However, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering head protection.
The technical measurements from the driver-side test reveal specific intrusion levels and injury measures. For instance, the lower hinge pillar maximum intrusion was 5 cm, and the footrest intrusion was 10 cm. Head injury criterion (HIC-15) was measured at 161, and chest maximum compression was 21 mm, all within acceptable safety ranges.
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Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test is crucial as it evaluates protection for the front passenger. For the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4-door, the passenger-side small overlap frontal rating is based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by IIHS.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G (Good) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
The 2019 C-Class achieved a “Good” rating across the board in the passenger-side small overlap test. This includes structural integrity, passenger injury measures, and driver injury measures, indicating excellent protection for both front occupants in this type of collision. Technical measurements show occupant compartment intrusion was minimal, with lower hinge pillar maximum intrusion at 6 cm and footrest intrusion at 12 cm. Passenger and driver injury measures were also low, with HIC-15 scores of 109 and 68 respectively, and minimal chest compression.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front colliding with a deformable barrier. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4-door 4wd (ratings apply to 2015-21 models) was tested, and the results are highly relevant for understanding the 2019 model’s performance in this common crash scenario.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class again earned a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. All driver injury measures and structural aspects were rated “Good,” demonstrating robust protection in a frontal impact. Technical data reveals minimal footwell intrusion and instrument panel movement, further supporting the “Good” structural rating.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Test
Side impacts are a significant concern in vehicle safety. The side impact test for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 400 4-door 4wd (ratings apply to 2015-21 models), equipped with standard side and curtain airbags, provides insights into side collision protection for the 2019 C-Class.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G (Good) |
| Driver head protection | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger head protection | G (Good) |
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, mirroring the tested 2015 model, offers “Good” protection in side impacts. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures, along with head protection, received the highest rating. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion and dummy injury metrics confirm the effectiveness of the C-Class’s side safety systems.
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is vital in rollover crashes. The roof strength test for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4-door (ratings apply to 2015-21 models) shows how well the roof can withstand forces in such accidents, directly relevant to the 2019 model.
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,522 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,642 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 7.00 |
With a “Good” overall rating and a strength-to-weight ratio of 7.00, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class demonstrates a strong roof capable of protecting occupants in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash protection is essential in rear-end collisions. The head restraints and seats evaluation for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4-door with power leather seats (ratings apply to 2015-21 models) assesses this aspect.
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G (Good) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G (Good) |
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, similar to the tested model, provides “Good” whiplash protection, earning “Good” ratings for both dynamic performance and seat/head restraint geometry.
Headlights
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime safety. The IIHS tested three headlight variations on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, relevant to the 2019 model year, revealing varied ratings.
Trim level: C300 with Adaptive High Beam Assist package
| Overall rating | G (Good) |
This trim, equipped with LED reflector headlights and Adaptive High Beam Assist, earned a “Good” overall rating. Low beams provided good visibility on straightaways and fair visibility on curves, with some glare. High beams were effective on straightaways and most curves, with high-beam assist compensating for low beam limitations.
Trim level: C300 (Standard)
| Overall rating | A (Acceptable) |
The standard C300 trim with LED reflector headlights (without Adaptive High Beam Assist) achieved an “Acceptable” rating. While low and high beam performance was similar to the “Good” rated headlights in straightaway visibility, and fair to good on curves, the lack of curve-adaptive features and high-beam assist resulted in the lower rating.
Trim level: C300 with Exterior Lighting package
| Overall rating | A (Acceptable) |
The C300 with the Exterior Lighting package, featuring LED projector headlights, curve-adaptive functionality, and high-beam assist, also received an “Acceptable” rating. Despite advanced features, low beams created more glare, impacting the overall rating compared to the adaptive high beam assist package.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important. The 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers two front crash prevention systems.
System: Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Driver Assistance Package)
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
This optional system earned a “Superior” rating. It successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests and meets forward collision warning requirements.
System: Standard Active Brake Assist
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
The standard Active Brake Assist system also achieved a “Superior” rating, performing identically to the optional system in vehicle-to-vehicle tests and meeting forward collision warning criteria.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian detection is a vital safety feature. The 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has two pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
System: Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Driver Assistance package)
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
This optional system is rated “Superior” for pedestrian front crash prevention. It avoided collisions with a crossing child and adult at 12 mph and 25 mph. In the parallel adult scenario, it significantly reduced speed.
System: Standard Active Brake Assist
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
The standard Active Brake Assist system received a “Basic” rating. While it reduced speed in crossing child and adult scenarios, it failed to slow in the parallel adult test.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchor ease of use is crucial for child passenger safety. The 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models, including the 2019, received a “Good” rating for LATCH system ease of use.
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
The C-Class has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The system is generally easy to use with accessible anchors.
Conclusion
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class demonstrates strong safety performance across various IIHS crash tests. It consistently achieves “Good” ratings in key areas like structural integrity and occupant protection in front and side impacts, as well as roof strength and head restraints. While headlight ratings vary by trim, and pedestrian front crash prevention differs between standard and optional systems, the 2019 C-Class overall presents itself as a safe and reliable luxury vehicle. Potential buyers should consider headlight options and front crash prevention system choices to further optimize safety based on their needs.
