The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a popular luxury vehicle, underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its safety performance. This article delves into the frontal offset crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on the E-Class model, specifically those manufactured after December 2002. These later 2003-06 models incorporated structural enhancements aimed at improving occupant protection in frontal collisions.
The IIHS, a leading authority in vehicle safety, subjected the 2004 Mercedes E-Class to a 40 mph frontal offset crash test. This test simulates a common type of real-world collision where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts another vehicle or a solid object. The evaluation criteria and the E-Class’s performance are detailed below.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy’s head moved partway out the open window and hit the B-pillar and window frame. | A |
The results of the crash test were highly positive for the 2004 Mercedes E-Class. The vehicle earned an overall evaluation of “Good,” the highest rating possible from IIHS. Critically, the structure and safety cage of the E-Class also received a “Good” rating, indicating that the structural integrity of the vehicle was maintained well during the impact. This is fundamental to protecting occupants in a severe crash.
In terms of driver injury measures, the 2004 E-Class demonstrated “Good” protection across all critical body regions. The head and neck, chest, and both left and right legs/feet all received the top rating. This signifies a low risk of significant injuries to these areas in a similar frontal offset crash.
The assessment of driver restraints and dummy kinematics was rated “Acceptable.” While the dummy’s movement was generally well-controlled, there was an instance of the dummy’s head contacting the B-pillar and window frame during rebound. However, importantly, head acceleration from this contact was measured as low, minimizing potential injury.
Technical measurements further support the positive safety assessment. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side showed minimal footwell intrusion and instrument panel/steering column movement. Driver injury measures, such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and chest compression, were well within acceptable limits, reinforcing the “Good” injury ratings. Leg and foot forces were also low, further confirming a reduced likelihood of serious lower extremity injuries.
Technical Measurements Summary
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion (Footrest) | cm | 3 |
| Footwell Intrusion (Left) | cm | 7 |
| Footwell Intrusion (Center) | cm | 9 |
| Footwell Intrusion (Right) | cm | 4 |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion | cm | 5 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | cm | 0 |
| Steering Column Upward Movement | cm | 1 |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement | cm | -2 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | cm | 1 |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 230 | |
| Peak Head Acceleration | g | 40 |
| Neck Tension | kN | 1.4 |
| Chest Compression | mm | 35 |
| Left Femur Force | kN | 2.8 |
| Right Femur Force | kN | 2.4 |
Conclusion
The IIHS frontal offset crash test results for the 2004 Mercedes E-Class are compelling. The vehicle demonstrated robust structural integrity and provided excellent protection against injuries for the driver in this demanding crash scenario. Prospective buyers considering a 2004 Mercedes E-Class can be reassured by these independent safety evaluations, particularly for models manufactured after December 2002 which include the enhanced safety features. These findings underscore Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety in the E-Class model line.
