The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E Class, part of the model generation from 2007-2009, underwent rigorous side impact testing to evaluate its safety performance and occupant protection. This analysis is based on evaluations conducted by safety authorities, focusing on how well the vehicle protects occupants in the event of a side collision.
The Mercedes E Class 2008 models were re-engineered with a significant emphasis on enhancing side impact crash safety. In initial assessments, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and torso airbags, achieved an “Acceptable” rating. This rating was primarily due to concerns about high forces measured on the driver dummy’s torso during the crash test.
To further improve occupant safety, Mercedes implemented design changes to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007. Subsequent testing was performed on these improved models to assess the effectiveness of these modifications. While these changes led to some reduction in the forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso, the improvement wasn’t substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall safety assessment. Consequently, the safety ratings for all 2007-2009 Mercedes E Class models are based on the combined results of both the initial and improved design tests.
Key Safety Evaluation Metrics for the Mercedes E Class 2008
The overall side impact evaluation for the Mercedes E Class 2008 resulted in an “Acceptable” rating. Crucial evaluation criteria and their corresponding ratings are detailed below:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | A |
| Structure and Safety Cage | A |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | M |
| Pelvis/Leg | A |
| Driver Head Protection | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | G |
In these ratings:
- A stands for Acceptable
- G stands for Good
- M stands for Marginal
These ratings indicate the level of protection offered to occupants in key body regions during a side impact crash. “Good” (G) represents the highest level of protection, while “Acceptable” (A) suggests a good level, and “Marginal” (M) indicates a less satisfactory level of protection in the specific area.
Technical Insights from Crash Tests
Technical measurements from the side impact tests provide a more granular view of the Mercedes E Class 2008’s performance. Notably, intrusion measurements on the driver’s side occupant compartment were recorded in two tests (CES0630 and CES0719). The B-pillar intrusion relative to the driver’s seat centerline was measured at -7.5 cm and -9.0 cm respectively. Negative values indicate that the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, suggesting good structural integrity.
Driver and passenger injury measures further detail the protection levels. For instance, Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) values for the driver were 132 and 158 in the two tests, and for the rear passenger, they were 42 and 48. Lower HIC values generally indicate better head protection. Torso deflection measurements for the driver showed maximum deflections of 53mm and 47mm, and average deflections of 46mm and 44mm.
Conclusion
The Mercedes E Class 2008 demonstrates a robust structure and good head protection in side impact crashes. While the initial tests highlighted marginal torso protection for the driver, design improvements led to some positive changes. The overall “Acceptable” rating reflects a solid level of safety for this vehicle in side impact scenarios, especially considering the “Good” ratings in most other measured categories for both driver and rear passengers. For those considering a Mercedes E Class 2008, these safety test results provide valuable insights into its crashworthiness and occupant protection capabilities.
