For UK drivers considering the safety of their vehicles, especially in side impact collisions, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers robust protection. This analysis, based on rigorous testing, delves into the side impact safety performance of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, a model known for its luxury and increasingly, its safety features. It’s important to note that while the rating specifically applies to 2016-19 models, the data is derived from tests conducted on the earlier Mercedes-Benz M-Class, which was renamed GLE-Class starting in 2016.
Understanding these safety ratings is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you’re purchasing a family vehicle or prioritizing passenger safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted the tests, providing a comprehensive evaluation of vehicle safety.
How the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2019 Performed in Side Impact Tests
The Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a “Good” overall rating in side impact evaluations. This top rating signifies a high level of protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. The structural integrity and safety cage of the GLE were also rated “Good,” indicating that the vehicle’s fundamental design effectively withstands side impacts, maintaining occupant space.
Specifically, the tests measured injury levels for both the driver and rear passenger. In both seating positions, the GLE demonstrated “Good” protection across all critical body regions: head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg. Furthermore, head protection for both driver and rear passenger was also rated as “Good”. This consistent “Good” performance across all injury measures highlights the comprehensive safety design of the Mercedes-Benz GLE in side impact scenarios.
It’s worth noting that the side impact tests were conducted by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by the IIHS. The evaluations combined results from tests on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 550 V8 (with standard rear side torso airbags) and a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 (without optional rear side torso airbags). Interestingly, the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags had minimal impact on rear occupant protection during these tests. This is partly attributed to the vehicle’s long wheelbase, which means the impact point is relatively far from the rear seating area, and the standard side curtain airbags offering substantial protection.
Technical Insights: Injury Measures and Intrusion
To provide a deeper understanding, let’s examine some technical measurements from the tests. The tables below summarize key data points related to occupant compartment intrusion and injury measures for both driver and passenger.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Measurement | Test ID: VTS1115 | Test ID: VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
Negative numbers indicate crush stopped short of seat centerline.
This data indicates minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment on the driver’s side, reinforcing the “Good” rating for structure and safety cage.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Test ID: VTS1115 | Test ID: VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 64 | 52 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 | -0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 26 | 28 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.2 | 1.0 |
| Torso Max Deflection (mm) | 31 | 27 |
| Torso Avg Deflection (mm) | 28 | 25 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.2 | 0.7 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.7 | 1.4 |
Rear Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Test ID: VTS1115 | Test ID: VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 81 | 104 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 5 | 11 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Torso Max Deflection (mm) | 28 | 29 |
| Torso Avg Deflection (mm) | 20 | 20 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
These measurements are all within ranges indicating good protection, supporting the overall “Good” ratings for driver and rear passenger injury measures. Lower numbers generally indicate better performance in terms of injury measures.
Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz GLE 2019 – A Safe Choice for Side Impacts
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 2019 demonstrates a “Good” level of safety in side impact collisions, according to IIHS evaluations. This rating applies to models from 2016-2019, offering reassurance to prospective and current owners in the UK market. For those prioritizing vehicle safety, particularly side impact protection, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2019 stands out as a strong and safe option within its class.
