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 current owners alike, understanding the safety ratings of a vehicle is paramount. This detailed analysis delves into the crash test performance and safety features of the Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class, providing a comprehensive overview based on rigorous evaluations.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts a barrier. This is a particularly challenging test as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car.
Driver-Side Performance
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class achieved a Good rating in the small overlap front crash test for the driver-side. Key evaluation criteria and their corresponding ratings are detailed below:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Chest | G (Good) |
| Hip/thigh | G (Good) |
| Lower leg/foot | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | A (Acceptable) |
While the structural integrity and protection for most body regions were rated as “Good,” the driver restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The test results indicated that the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but then moved to the left due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seat belt. However, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from side structure and external objects.
Action shot during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test showcasing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2019’s structural response.
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Post-crash dummy position within the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2019, illustrating the well-maintained driver survival space.
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Dummy head movement during the driver-side small overlap test in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2019, showing airbag interaction.
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Assessment of leg and foot injury risk for the driver in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2019 driver-side small overlap frontal crash.
Technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap front test provide further insight into the Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class‘s performance:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 5 |
| Footrest (cm) | 10 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 5 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 8 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 2 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 4 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 4 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 161 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 5 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.2 |
| Right | 1.3 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 3 |
| Right | 5 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.50 |
| Right | 0.43 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.8 |
| Right | 2.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 80 |
| Right | 73 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap front crash test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates the safety performance for the passenger in the front seat.
Passenger-Side Performance
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class also excelled in the passenger-side small overlap front test, earning an overall Good rating. This test was conducted by Mercedes-Benz, and the rating was assigned based on their data.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Chest | G (Good) |
| Hip/thigh | G (Good) |
| Lower leg/foot | G (Good) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Chest | G (Good) |
| Hip/thigh | G (Good) |
| Lower leg/foot | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
Notably, all evaluation criteria for both passenger and driver injury measures, as well as restraints and kinematics, received “Good” ratings, indicating robust passenger protection in this type of frontal collision.
Technical measurements for the passenger-side small overlap front test are as follows:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 |
| Footrest (cm) | 12 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 8 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 5 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Center dash (cm) | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 5 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 4 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 4 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 109 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.0 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.37 |
| Right | 0.60 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.8 |
| Right | 1.7 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 51 |
| Right | 77 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 68 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.6 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 20 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.3 |
| Right | 0.7 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 1 |
| Right | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.24 |
| Right | 0.26 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.6 |
| Right | 2.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 26 |
| Right | 62 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. This test is designed to assess how well the vehicle protects occupants in a more common type of frontal collision.
Performance in Moderate Overlap Test
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class achieved a Good overall rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Chest | G (Good) |
| Leg/foot, left | G (Good) |
| Leg/foot, right | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
All aspects of the Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class‘s performance in the moderate overlap front test were rated as “Good,” showcasing excellent protection for the driver.
Technical measurements for the moderate overlap front test are provided below:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 1 |
| Left (cm) | 1 |
| Center (cm) | 1 |
| Right (cm) | 1 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 2 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 3 |
| Rearward (cm) | -7 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 148 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 1.6 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 1.3 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.40 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.31 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 2.3 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 2.5 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 36 |
| Right | 53 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Test
The side impact test evaluates the protection offered to occupants when a vehicle is struck on the side by another vehicle or object.
Side Impact Performance
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class earned a Good overall rating in the side impact test, indicating excellent protection in side collisions.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Torso | G (Good) |
| Pelvis/leg | G (Good) |
| Driver head protection | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Torso | G (Good) |
| Pelvis/leg | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger head protection | G (Good) |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as head protection, were rated “Good,” reflecting the effectiveness of the side airbags and structural design of the 2019 C-Class in side-impact scenarios.
Technical measurements from the side impact test are detailed below:
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1417 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.5 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 228 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.56 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 2.4 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.6 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 36 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 74 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 225 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 18 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 1.94 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.19 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 2.4 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Combined force (kN) | 4.2 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 33 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 51 |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the structural integrity of the vehicle’s roof in a rollover scenario.
Roof Strength Performance
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class achieved a Good rating in roof strength, demonstrating a strong roof structure capable of withstanding significant force.
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,522 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,642 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 7.00 |
The strength-to-weight ratio of 7.00 significantly exceeds the minimum requirement, indicating a robust roof design for the Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class.
Head Restraints & Seats
평가 of head restraints and seats focuses on their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class received a Good overall rating for its head restraints and seats, highlighting effective protection against whiplash injuries.
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G (Good) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G (Good) |
Technical measurements for head restraints and seats:
| Seat type | Power leather seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 38 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | -14 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 16.1 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 57 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 21 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 464 |
Headlights Evaluation
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime safety. The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class offers different headlight variations, and their ratings vary accordingly.
Headlight Ratings by Trim Level
1. C300 trim equipped with Adaptive High Beam Assist package:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G (Good) |
These LED reflector headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist received a “Good” rating. Low beam visibility was good on straightaways but fair on curves, with some glare noted. High beams offered good straightaway visibility and fair to good visibility on curves, with high-beam assist compensating for low beam limitations.
2. C300 trim (Standard):
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | A (Acceptable) |
The standard LED reflector headlights on the C300 trim received an “Acceptable” rating. Similar to the “Good” rated headlights, low beams had good straightaway visibility but fair curve visibility with some glare. High beam performance was also similar, but without high-beam assist, the overall rating is lower.
3. C300 trim equipped with Exterior Lighting package:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | A (Acceptable) |
LED projector headlights with curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist in the Exterior Lighting package also received an “Acceptable” rating. Low beams were good on straightaways and most curves, with some glare. High beams were good in all scenarios. While technologically advanced, glare contributed to the “Acceptable” rating.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems aim to mitigate or prevent collisions with other vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class offers both standard and optional systems.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention Ratings
1. Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Driver Assistance Package):
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|
This optional system earned a “Superior” rating. It meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
2. Standard Active Brake Assist:
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|
The standard Active Brake Assist system also achieved a “Superior” rating, demonstrating effective vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention as standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class. It also avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meets forward collision warning criteria.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian front crash prevention systems are designed to detect and react to pedestrians in the vehicle’s path.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention Ratings
1. Optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function (Driver Assistance Package):
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|
The optional system again achieved a “Superior” rating. It avoided collisions with a crossing child and adult in 12 mph and 25 mph tests. In a parallel adult scenario at 25 mph, speed was significantly reduced, and near collision avoidance was achieved at 37 mph with a warning issued.
2. Standard Active Brake Assist:
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
|---|
The standard Active Brake Assist system received a “Basic” rating for pedestrian front crash prevention. While it reduced impact speed in crossing child and adult scenarios and avoided collision with a crossing adult at 12 mph, it failed to slow in the parallel adult scenario and only issued a late warning at 37 mph.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), are evaluated for their ease of use and effectiveness in securing child safety seats.
LATCH System Rating
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class received a Good rating for its LATCH system.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
The 2019 C-Class has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The lower anchors were found to be easy to access and maneuver around.
Details by seating position
| Position | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | Good |
| 2 | Tether anchor only (Not rated for lower anchors) |
| 3 | Good |
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class demonstrates strong safety performance across a range of crash tests and preventative safety technologies. It achieved “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness evaluations, particularly excelling in side and moderate overlap front tests. While the driver-side small overlap test revealed a need for improvement in driver restraints, the overall performance remains commendable. Furthermore, the availability of “Superior” rated front crash prevention systems, both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian (with optional equipment), adds to the safety appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 2019 C-Class. Prospective buyers prioritizing safety will find the 2019 C-Class to be a compelling option in the luxury sedan segment.
