The Mercedes-Benz GLC emerged in 2016 as the successor to the GLK, quickly establishing itself as a popular luxury SUV. For those considering a 2018 Mercedes SUV, particularly the GLC model, understanding its safety performance is paramount. This detailed analysis, based on rigorous testing, provides an in-depth look at the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s safety ratings, ensuring you’re well-informed about this vehicle’s protective capabilities.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. In the driver-side small overlap test, the 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC demonstrated a strong performance overall.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Kinematics | Acceptable |
The structural integrity of the GLC held up well, earning a “Good” rating for structure and safety cage. All driver injury measures also received “Good” ratings, indicating a low risk of significant injuries in this type of crash. However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Acceptable”. The test revealed that while the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it moved excessively to the side due to seat belt slack, highlighting a potential area for improvement in occupant restraint. The side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing adequate head protection.
Action shot from the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test, showing the structural reaction of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Dummy position post-driver-side small overlap crash test in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC, indicating maintained survival space.
Detailed view of airbag performance and dummy head movement during the driver-side small overlap test of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Driver’s side footwell integrity after the small overlap frontal crash test in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC, showing good space maintenance.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Lower) | ||
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 1 |
| Footrest (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 10 |
| Left Toepan (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 7 |
| Brake Pedal (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 3 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 1 |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Upper) | ||
| Steering Column (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 0 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 1 |
| Upper Dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 2 |
| Lower Instrument Panel (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 2 |
| Driver Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head Injury Criterion | 224 |
| Peak gs at Hard Contact | Head Impact Force | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck Injury | 1.2 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | Neck Injury | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck Injury Criterion | 0.22 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | Chest Injury | 23 |
| Femur Force Left (kN) | Femur Injury | 1.1 |
| Femur Force Right (kN) | Femur Injury | 1.0 |
| Knee Displacement Left (mm) | Knee Injury | 2 |
| Knee Displacement Right (mm) | Knee Injury | 3 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk Left (%) | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk Right (%) | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Left | Lower Leg Injury | 0.64 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Right | Lower Leg Injury | 0.41 |
| Tibia Axial Force Left (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 3.0 |
| Tibia Axial Force Right (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 1.8 |
| Foot Acceleration Left (g) | Foot Injury | 86 |
| Foot Acceleration Right (g) | Foot Injury | 61 |
Learn more about the small overlap front test.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Performance
The passenger-side small overlap test evaluates protection for the front passenger. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC again excelled, earning a “Good” overall rating. This rating is based on two tests – one conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and another by Mercedes-Benz, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Passenger Restraints & Kinematics | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Driver Restraints & Kinematics | Good |
Both passenger and driver injury measures, as well as passenger restraints and kinematics, all received “Good” ratings, demonstrating robust protection for occupants on both sides in a small overlap frontal crash.
Action shot from the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test conducted by IIHS on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV.
Passenger survival space maintained in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC after the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test by IIHS.
Effective frontal and side curtain airbag deployment in the passenger-side small overlap test of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC (IIHS test).
Passenger-side footwell integrity post-small overlap frontal crash test, indicating good leg and foot protection in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Test ID: CEP1712 | Test ID: VTP1702 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Lower) | |||
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 2 | 2 |
| Footrest (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 16 | 8 |
| Right Toepan (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 8 | 3 |
| Center Toepan (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 4 | 3 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 0 | 0 |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Upper) | |||
| Center Dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 1 | 1 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 2 | 3 |
| Upper Dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 4 | 3 |
| Right Lower Dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 4 | 4 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | |||
| Head HIC-15 | Head Injury Criterion | 122 | 53 |
| Peak gs at Hard Contact | Head Impact Force | No Contact | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck Injury | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | Neck Injury | 17 | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck Injury Criterion | 0.20 | 0.20 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | Chest Injury | 18 | 19 |
| Femur Force Left (kN) | Femur Injury | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Femur Force Right (kN) | Femur Injury | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Knee Displacement Left (mm) | Knee Injury | 1 | 1 |
| Knee Displacement Right (mm) | Knee Injury | 0 | 1 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk Left (%) | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury | 0 | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk Right (%) | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Left | Lower Leg Injury | 0.21 | 0.17 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Right | Lower Leg Injury | 0.81 | 0.15 |
| Tibia Axial Force Left (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 1.1 | 0.2 |
| Tibia Axial Force Right (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 4.7 | 0.5 |
| Foot Acceleration Left (g) | Foot Injury | 68 | 41 |
| Foot Acceleration Right (g) | Foot Injury | 109 | 60 |
| Driver Injury Measures | |||
| Head HIC-15 | Head Injury Criterion | 105 | 42 |
| Peak gs at Hard Contact | Head Impact Force | No Contact | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck Injury | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | Neck Injury | 7 | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck Injury Criterion | 0.12 | 0.20 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | Chest Injury | 21 | 18 |
| Femur Force Left (kN) | Femur Injury | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Femur Force Right (kN) | Femur Injury | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Knee Displacement Left (mm) | Knee Injury | 2 | 1 |
| Knee Displacement Right (mm) | Knee Injury | 3 | 3 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk Left (%) | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury | 0 | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk Right (%) | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Left | Lower Leg Injury | 0.18 | 0.27 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Right | Lower Leg Injury | 0.49 | 0.26 |
| Tibia Axial Force Left (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Tibia Axial Force Right (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 0.7 | 1.5 |
| Foot Acceleration Left (g) | Foot Injury | 23 | 25 |
| Foot Acceleration Right (g) | Foot Injury | 47 | 53 |
Explore more about the small overlap front test.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
In the moderate overlap front test, a significant portion of the vehicle’s front impacts a deformable barrier. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC achieved a “Good” rating, based on testing conducted by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by the IIHS.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Leg/Foot, Left | Good |
| Leg/Foot, Right | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Kinematics | Good |
The GLC demonstrated “Good” performance across all evaluation criteria, indicating excellent protection in a moderate overlap frontal crash scenario.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion | ||
| Footrest (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Left Footwell (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Center Footwell (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 0 |
| Right Footwell (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 0 |
| Brake Pedal (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 1 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement Left (cm) | Instrument Panel Movement | 0 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement Right (cm) | Instrument Panel Movement | -1 |
| Steering Column Upward Movement (cm) | Steering Column Movement | -2 |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement (cm) | Steering Column Movement | -7 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement (cm) | A-Pillar Movement | 0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head Injury Criterion | 131 |
| Peak gs at Hard Contact | Head Impact Force | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck Injury | 1.1 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | Neck Injury | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck Injury Criterion | 0.21 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | Chest Injury | 25 |
| Femur Force Left (kN) | Leg Injury | 0.8 |
| Femur Force Right (kN) | Leg Injury | 0.7 |
| Knee Displacement Left (mm) | Knee Injury | 1 |
| Knee Displacement Right (mm) | Knee Injury | 2 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Left | Lower Leg Injury | 0.17 |
| Maximum Tibia Index Right | Lower Leg Injury | 0.27 |
| Tibia Axial Force Left (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 1.9 |
| Tibia Axial Force Right (kN) | Lower Leg Injury | 2.8 |
| Foot Acceleration Left (g) | Foot Injury | 45 |
| Foot Acceleration Right (g) | Foot Injury | 68 |
Discover more about the original moderate overlap front test.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The side impact test assesses occupant protection in side collisions. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC achieved the highest rating of “Good” in the side crash test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/Leg | Good |
| Driver Head Protection | Good |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/Leg | Good |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures were rated “Good” across all categories, demonstrating excellent side impact protection for all occupants.
Technical Measurements: Side Impact Crash Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| B-Pillar to Seat Centerline (cm) | Occupant Compartment Intrusion | -24.0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head Injury Criterion | 133 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck Injury | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | Neck Injury | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | Shoulder Injury | 25 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | Shoulder Injury | 1.0 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | Torso Injury | 32 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | Torso Injury | 29 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | Torso Injury | 3.44 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | Torso Injury | 0.53 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | Pelvis Injury | 1.1 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | Pelvis Injury | 1.1 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | Pelvis Injury | 2.2 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | Femur Injury | 0.6 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | Femur Injury | 41 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | Femur Injury | 46 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head Injury Criterion | 137 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck Injury | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | Neck Injury | 0.6 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | Shoulder Injury | 38 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | Shoulder Injury | 1.1 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | Torso Injury | 36 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | Torso Injury | 16 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | Torso Injury | 3.39 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | Torso Injury | 0.43 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | Pelvis Injury | 0.1 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | Pelvis Injury | 1.9 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | Pelvis Injury | 1.9 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | Femur Injury | 0.4 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | Femur Injury | 46 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | Femur Injury | 50 |
Learn more about the original side crash test.
Roof Strength Evaluation
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC again received a “Good” rating for roof strength.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Curb Weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak Force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 6.04 |
The GLC’s roof demonstrated a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04, significantly exceeding the requirement for a “Good” rating, indicating robust roof crush resistance.
Understand more about the roof strength test.
Head Restraints and Seats Performance
평가
The evaluation of head restraints and seats is crucial for preventing whiplash in rear-end collisions. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC’s seat type, “Power leather seat”, earned a “Good” overall rating in this category.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Dynamic Rating | Good |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | Good |
Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective head restraint design for whiplash protection.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement Category | Power Leather Seat |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 38 |
| Distance Below Top of Head (mm) | -14 |
| Pass/Fail | Pass |
| Max T1 Acceleration (g) | 16.1 |
| Head Contact Time (ms) | 57 |
| Force Rating | 1 |
| Max Neck Shear Force (N) | 21 |
| Max Neck Tension (N) | 464 |
Explore details about the head restraint & seat test.
Headlight Ratings: A Detailed Look
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime safety. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC offers different headlight variations, with ratings ranging from “Good” to “Marginal”.
Advanced Lighting Package (LED Projector Headlights)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-Beam Headlight Type | LED Projector |
| High-Beam Headlight Type | LED Projector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | Yes |
| High-Beam Assist? | Yes |
| Overall Rating | Good |
The GLC trim equipped with the Advanced Lighting package and LED projector headlights achieved a “Good” overall rating. Both low beams and high beams provided good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some low-beam limitations on curves.
LED Headlamps and Taillamps Package (LED Projector/Reflector Headlights)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-Beam Headlight Type | LED Projector |
| High-Beam Headlight Type | LED Reflector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | No |
| High-Beam Assist? | No |
| Overall Rating | Acceptable |
The GLC trim with the LED Headlamps and Taillamps package, featuring LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, received an “Acceptable” overall rating. Low beam visibility was good on the left side and fair on the right, with some glare. High beams offered good visibility on the right straightaway but were only fair on curves.
Standard Headlights (Halogen Reflector Headlights)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-Beam Headlight Type | Halogen Reflector |
| High-Beam Headlight Type | Halogen Reflector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | No |
| High-Beam Assist? | No |
| Overall Rating | Marginal |
The standard GLC trim with halogen reflector headlights received a “Marginal” overall rating. Low beam visibility was fair on straightaways but inadequate on left curves. High beams were good on the right straightaway but inadequate in other scenarios. Glare was also noted.
Explore more about the headlight evaluation.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Assessment
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce accidents. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC offers two front crash prevention system variations, both achieving “Superior” ratings.
Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
With the optional Pre-Safe Brake system, the GLC earned a “Superior” rating, successfully avoiding collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meeting forward collision warning requirements.
Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| Forward Collision Warning | Does not meet requirements |
| 12 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
Even with the standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus, the GLC achieved a “Superior” rating, avoiding collisions in both tests. However, this standard system does not meet the requirements for forward collision warning.
Learn more about the original front crash prevention test.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Evaluation
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use is vital for child passenger safety. The 2018 Mercedes SUV GLC received an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH system ease of use.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable |
| Vehicle Trim | GLC 300 |
| Seat Type | Leatherette |
The GLC has 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with only a tether anchor. While rated “Acceptable,” some lower anchors were noted as difficult to maneuver around.
Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details | Acceptable | 1. Easy-to-find location, no confusing hardware. Lower anchors not too deep, but maneuvering around them is difficult. |
| 2 | No Rating | No lower anchors available. Tether anchor easy to locate.
