The Mercedes-Benz GLC entered the automotive scene in 2016, replacing the GLK model and setting a new benchmark in the compact luxury SUV segment. For prospective buyers and safety-conscious drivers, understanding a vehicle’s safety performance is paramount. This article delves into a detailed safety evaluation of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC, drawing upon rigorous testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We’ll explore its crashworthiness across various scenarios, from small overlap frontal crashes to side impacts and roof strength, providing a comprehensive overview of how the GLC 2017 protects its occupants.
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test is particularly demanding, simulating a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end strikes a barrier. This test is crucial in evaluating how well the car’s structure manages concentrated impact forces.
Driver-Side Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4-door 4wd model was subjected to the driver-side small overlap front test. The results indicate a strong overall performance, but with a noteworthy point regarding occupant restraints.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/Thigh | G |
| Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
The GLC earned a “Good” rating overall and for structural integrity, indicating that the safety cage effectively maintained its shape during the crash. All driver injury measures – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – also received “Good” ratings, suggesting a low risk of significant injuries in these areas.
However, the “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics” were rated “Acceptable.” The test revealed that while the dummy’s head made contact with the frontal airbag, it subsequently rolled to the left. This movement was attributed to the seat belt allowing excessive forward excursion of the head and torso, indicating a potential area for improvement in occupant restraint design. Notably, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from side structure and external objects.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap
The technical measurements provide precise data on occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury measures, further substantiating the “Good” ratings and highlighting the specifics of the “Acceptable” rating for restraints.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Footrest | 10 |
| Left toepan | 7 |
| Brake pedal | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 1 |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Upper dash | 2 |
| Lower instrument panel | 2 |
These intrusion measurements are minimal, reinforcing the “Good” structural rating.
Driver Injury Measures (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 224 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur | |
| Left (kN) | 1.1 |
| Right (kN) | 1.0 |
| Knee Displacement | |
| Left (mm) | 2 |
| Right (mm) | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | |
| Left | 0.64 |
| Right | 0.41 |
| Tibia Axial Force | |
| Left (kN) | 3.0 |
| Right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot Acceleration | |
| Left (g) | 86 |
| Right (g) | 61 |
These injury measures are well within acceptable limits, supporting the “Good” ratings for driver injury protection.
Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side Evaluation
Extending the small overlap assessment to the passenger side is vital for ensuring comprehensive occupant safety. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was tested for passenger-side small overlap performance.
Passenger-Side Performance
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap test, demonstrating robust protection for front-seat passengers.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/Thigh | G |
| Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/Thigh | G |
| Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Notably, both passenger and driver injury measures, as well as restraints and kinematics for both, were rated “Good.” This indicates consistent and effective occupant protection on both sides of the vehicle in a small overlap frontal crash.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap
Two tests were conducted – one by IIHS (CEP1712) and another by Mercedes-Benz (VTP1702). The measurements from both are provided for comprehensive data.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement CEP1712 (cm) | Measurement VTP1702 (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 2 | 2 |
| Footrest | 16 | 8 |
| Right toepan | 8 | 3 |
| Center toepan | 4 | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 | 0 |
| Center dash | 1 | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 2 | 3 |
| Upper dash | 4 | 3 |
| Right lower dash | 4 | 4 |
The intrusion measurements remain relatively low across both tests.
Passenger Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement CEP1712 | Measurement VTP1702 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 122 | 53 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 | 0.20 |
| Chest | ||
| Maximum compression (mm) | 18 | 19 |
| Femur | ||
| Left (kN) | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Right (kN) | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Knee Displacement | ||
| Left (mm) | 1 | 1 |
| Right (mm) | 0 | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | ||
| Left | 0.21 | 0.17 |
| Right | 0.81 | 0.15 |
| Tibia Axial Force | ||
| Left (kN) | 1.1 | 0.2 |
| Right (kN) | 4.7 | 0.5 |
| Foot Acceleration | ||
| Left (g) | 68 | 41 |
| Right (g) | 109 | 60 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement CEP1712 | Measurement VTP1702 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 105 | 42 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 7 | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.12 | 0.20 |
| Chest | ||
| Maximum compression (mm) | 21 | 18 |
| Femur | ||
| Left (kN) | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Right (kN) | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Knee Displacement | ||
| Left (mm) | 2 | 1 |
| Right (mm) | 3 | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | ||
| Left | 0.18 | 0.27 |
| Right | 0.49 | 0.26 |
| Tibia Axial Force | ||
| Left (kN) | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Right (kN) | 0.7 | 1.5 |
| Foot Acceleration | ||
| Left (g) | 23 | 25 |
| Right (g) | 47 | 53 |
The injury measurements for both passenger and driver dummies are low, reinforcing the “Good” ratings.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test represents a more common frontal collision scenario where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end engages the barrier.
Moderate Overlap Performance
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test, indicating strong performance in this common crash type.
| 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 | G |
All evaluation criteria, including structure, driver injury measures across all body regions, and restraints, received “Good” ratings, highlighting the GLC’s robust frontal crash protection.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion | |
| Footrest | 1 |
| Left | 1 |
| Center | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Brake pedal | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | -1 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward | -2 |
| Rearward | -7 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
Minimal intrusion measurements are observed, consistent with the “Good” structural rating.
Driver Injury Measures (Moderate Overlap Front)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 131 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.8 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.7 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.17 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.27 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Foot Acceleration | |
| Left (g) | 45 |
| Right (g) | 68 |
The driver injury measures are low, reinforcing the “Good” ratings for injury protection.
Side: Original Test
Side impact crashes pose unique challenges to vehicle safety. This test assesses the GLC’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision.
Side Impact Performance
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 earned a “Good” rating in the side crash test, demonstrating effective protection for both driver and rear passengers.
| 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 |
All evaluation criteria, encompassing structural performance, driver and rear passenger injury measures, and head protection, received “Good” ratings. This underscores the GLC’s comprehensive side-impact safety.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -24.0 |
The negative value indicates that the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, showing good structural resistance.
Driver Injury Measures (Side Impact)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 133 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.44 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.53 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Left Femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.6 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 41 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 46 |
Passenger Injury Measures (Side Impact)
| Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 137 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.6 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 16 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.39 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.43 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Left Femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 46 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 50 |
Injury measurements for both driver and passenger are low, supporting the “Good” side impact rating.
Roof Strength
Roof strength is a critical factor in rollover accidents. This test evaluates the GLC’s roof resistance to crushing forces.
Roof Strength Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 achieved a “Good” rating for roof strength, demonstrating a strong ability to withstand rollover forces.
| Overall Evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.04 |
The strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04 significantly exceeds the minimum requirement, indicating a robust roof structure.
Head Restraints & Seats
Effective head restraints and seat design are crucial in preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC with power leather seats received a “Good” rating for head restraints & seats, both dynamically and geometrically.
| Overall Evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & 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 |
These measurements confirm the effective design of the head restraints and seats in minimizing whiplash risk.
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime visibility and accident prevention. The IIHS evaluates headlight systems for different trim levels.
Headlight Performance
The headlight ratings for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC vary by trim level, ranging from “Good” to “Marginal.”
Trim Level: GLC 300 with Premium 3 Package
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
This trim with LED projector headlights and Premium 3 package achieved a “Good” overall rating.
Trim Level: GLC 300 with Premium 1 & 2 and LED Headlamps & Taillamps Packages
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | A |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
This trim with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, along with Premium 1 or 2 and LED packages, received an “Acceptable” overall rating.
Trim Level: GLC 300 (Base Trim)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | M |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
The base GLC 300 trim with halogen reflector headlights received a “Marginal” overall rating, indicating room for improvement in standard headlight performance.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important safety features. The GLC’s system is evaluated for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention.
Front Crash Prevention Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers Superior-rated front crash prevention systems, depending on the trim and options.
System: Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition (Premium 3 Package)
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
|---|
This optional system, when equipped with the Premium 3 Package, earned a “Superior” rating, successfully avoiding collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meeting forward collision warning requirements.
System: Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
|---|
The standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus system also achieved a “Superior” rating, avoiding collisions in both tests, although it does not meet forward collision warning requirements.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchor ease of use is crucial for child passenger safety. The GLC’s LATCH system is evaluated for its usability.
Child Seat Anchor Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC received an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchors (LATCH) usability.
| Overall Evaluation | A |
|---|
The GLC has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. While functional, the system was rated “Acceptable,” indicating some aspects could be improved for easier use.
Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017: A Deep Dive into Safety Ratings
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety, achieving high marks in numerous IIHS crashworthiness evaluations. While excelling in most areas with “Good” ratings across various crash tests, including moderate overlap front, side impact, and roof strength, there are specific aspects to consider, such as the “Acceptable” rating in driver-side small overlap restraints and variations in headlight performance across trim levels. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 offers a strong safety profile, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing passenger protection in a luxury SUV. For detailed safety information and to compare ratings, refer to the official IIHS reports.
