The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class marked a significant re-engineering effort, particularly focused on enhancing occupant protection during side impact collisions. This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, providing a detailed analysis of their safety performance. It’s crucial for potential buyers and current owners to understand these ratings to assess the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Initially, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a side impact test on a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350. This initial assessment resulted in an “Acceptable” overall rating. This rating was primarily due to the high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso area, indicating a potential vulnerability in side impact scenarios.
Alt: Side impact crash test of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showing vehicle and barrier interaction.
Mercedes-Benz responded to these findings by implementing design changes to the front door trim panels. These modifications, introduced in models manufactured after May 2007, aimed to further bolster occupant protection in side impacts. Consequently, the IIHS performed a second test on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class incorporating these improvements to evaluate their effectiveness.
The subsequent test of the enhanced design did demonstrate a reduction in the forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso. However, this reduction was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall vehicle safety rating. As a result, the “Acceptable” overall side impact rating applies to all 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, encompassing both the original and the improved designs.
Alt: Post-crash view of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with doors removed, highlighting side airbag deployment and occupant compartment damage.
To provide a clearer picture, the evaluation criteria and ratings breakdown is essential. In terms of structural integrity and safety cage performance, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved an “Acceptable” rating. For driver injury measures, the head and neck protection was rated “Good,” while the torso protection was “Marginal,” and pelvis/leg protection was “Acceptable.” Driver head protection was also rated “Good,” indicating effective airbag deployment in safeguarding the driver’s head.
Regarding rear passenger safety, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class performed admirably, securing “Good” ratings across all injury measures: head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg. Rear passenger head protection was also rated “Good,” demonstrating consistent safety performance for all occupants in side impact collisions.
Alt: Greasepaint on driver-side airbag of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, indicating head protection during the side impact test.
The technical measurements from both tests offer further insight. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side, specifically the B-pillar displacement relative to the driver’s seat centerline, showed crush amounts of -7.5 cm and -9.0 cm in the two tests. Negative values indicate the extent to which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline, reflecting the structural resistance during impact.
Alt: Greasepaint on rear passenger side airbag of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showing head protection for rear occupant.
Driver injury measures, including Head Injury Criterion (HIC), neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, and pelvis and femur forces and moments, are detailed in the technical data. Similarly, passenger injury measures for the rear occupant are provided, covering the same range of metrics. These detailed measurements are crucial for engineers and safety experts to assess the nuances of the vehicle’s crash performance.
In conclusion, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class side impact crash test results highlight an “Acceptable” overall safety rating. While it provides “Good” protection for head and neck injuries and for rear passengers, the “Marginal” rating for driver torso injury indicates an area for potential concern. Understanding these safety ratings and the underlying data is vital for making informed decisions about vehicle safety.
