The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, but safety is just as crucial for discerning car buyers. For the 2015 model year, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class continued to uphold high safety standards, as evidenced by rigorous crash testing. This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (specifically models from the 2010-2016 range built after April 2010), providing a detailed analysis of its safety performance.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a side impact test on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door, a model representative of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E Class in terms of structural design for side impacts. The tested vehicle was equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, key safety features for occupant protection in side collisions. The results of this test are highly relevant for understanding the safety of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E Class.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved a “Good” overall rating in the side impact test, the highest rating possible. This “Good” rating extends across all individual evaluations, indicating robust protection for occupants in a side impact scenario. The structural design and safety cage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class held up admirably, maintaining the integrity of the occupant compartment.
In terms of driver injury measures, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E Class demonstrated “Good” protection for the head and neck, torso, and pelvis/leg regions. Critically, driver head protection was also rated as “Good,” highlighting the effectiveness of the side airbag system in preventing head injuries. Similarly, rear passenger injury measures were all rated “Good” across head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg areas, with rear passenger head protection also receiving a “Good” rating. This consistent “Good” performance for both front and rear occupants underscores the comprehensive safety design of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2015 in side impact crashes.
Technical measurements from the crash test further support these positive ratings. For instance, measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side showed minimal intrusion into the driver’s seating space. Driver injury measures, such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and neck tension, were well within acceptable limits, reinforcing the “Good” ratings for head and neck protection. Likewise, torso and pelvis injury measures for both driver and passenger dummies indicated a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world side impact collision.
In conclusion, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exhibits excellent side impact safety performance. The “Good” ratings across all categories in the IIHS side impact crash test demonstrate the vehicle’s strong structural integrity and effective occupant protection systems, particularly the side airbags. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2015 stands out as a highly safe choice, offering peace of mind in the event of a side collision.
