The Mercedes-Benz GLC, introduced in 2016 as the successor to the GLK, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to safety. For the 2020 model year, the Mercedes GLC continues this tradition, achieving high marks in various crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Mercedes Glc 2020 safety ratings, examining its performance in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests, as well as headlight evaluations and front crash prevention systems.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts a barrier. This is a particularly challenging test as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle.
In the driver-side small overlap test, the Mercedes GLC 2020 earned a “Good” rating, the highest possible. Key findings include:
- Structure and Safety Cage: Rated “Good,” indicating that the structural integrity of the GLC was maintained well during the crash.
- Driver Injury Measures: All injury measures for the driver – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – were rated “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of this type.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Rated “Acceptable.” While the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it rolled to the left due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seat belt. However, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing adequate head protection.
Despite the “Acceptable” rating for restraints due to head movement, the overall “Good” rating in this demanding test highlights the robust safety engineering of the Mercedes GLC 2020.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses the safety performance for the front passenger. The Mercedes GLC 2020 again achieved a “Good” overall rating in this evaluation.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Passenger Injury Measures: All passenger injury measures (head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, lower leg/foot) were rated “Good.”
- Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: “Good,” indicating optimal performance of the restraint systems in protecting the passenger.
Notably, two passenger-side tests were conducted, one by IIHS and another by Mercedes-Benz, and the “Good” ratings are based on the results of both, reinforcing the consistent safety performance of the Mercedes GLC 2020.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. This test is designed to represent a typical frontal collision.
The Mercedes GLC 2020 received a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot – left and right) were rated “Good.”
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: “Good,” indicating effective occupant restraint and protection in a moderate frontal impact.
Side Crash Test
The side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side impact collision, often involving another vehicle or a fixed object.
The Mercedes GLC 2020 excelled in the side crash test, earning a “Good” rating.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) were rated “Good.”
- Driver Head Protection: “Good,” confirming effective head protection in a side impact.
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures: All rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) were also rated “Good,” demonstrating comprehensive side impact protection for all occupants.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: “Good.”
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the structural integrity of the roof in a rollover accident. A strong roof can help prevent serious injuries in such events.
The Mercedes GLC 2020 achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Strength-to-weight Ratio: An impressive 6.04, significantly exceeding the minimum requirement and indicating a robust roof structure relative to the vehicle’s weight.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, and effective head restraints can significantly reduce this risk. The IIHS evaluates head restraints and seats for their ability to protect against whiplash.
The Mercedes GLC 2020 earned a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Dynamic Rating: “Good,” based on simulated rear-impact testing.
- Seat/Head Restraint Geometry: “Good,” reflecting proper head restraint positioning for effective whiplash protection.
Headlights
Visibility is crucial for accident prevention, and headlight performance plays a vital role. The IIHS tests vehicle headlights and rates them based on their effectiveness in providing illumination without causing excessive glare.
The Mercedes GLC 2020 has two headlight variations, with ratings varying accordingly:
LED Projector Headlights (with Exterior Lighting package): “Good”
- Overall Rating: “Good”
- Low Beams: Good visibility on straightaways and curves.
- High Beams: Good visibility on straightaways and curves.
- Curve-Adaptive and High-Beam Assist: Yes, contributing to the “Good” rating.
LED Reflector Headlights (All Trims): “Poor”
- Overall Rating: “Poor”
- Low Beams: Fair to inadequate visibility on straightaways and curves.
- High Beams: Good to inadequate visibility, with limitations on left curves and straightaways.
- Curve-Adaptive and High-Beam Assist: No.
It’s important to note that the headlight rating for the Mercedes GLC 2020 depends on the specific headlight package equipped. Opting for the Exterior Lighting package with LED projectors is crucial for achieving optimal headlight performance and safety.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle & Pedestrian
Advanced front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of frontal collisions. The IIHS tests two types of front crash prevention systems: vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian.
The Mercedes GLC 2020, when equipped with the optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function and Driver Assistance Package, achieves “Superior” ratings in both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention: “Superior”
- Forward Collision Warning: Meets requirements.
- 12 mph Test: Collision avoided.
- 25 mph Test: Impact speed reduced by 22 mph.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention (Day): “Superior”
- Crossing Child (12 mph & 25 mph): Collision avoided in 12 mph, impact speed reduced by 23 mph in 25 mph.
- Crossing Adult (12 mph & 25 mph): Collision avoided in 12 mph, impact speed reduced by 22 mph in 25 mph.
- Parallel Adult (25 mph & 37 mph): Collision avoided in 25 mph, impact speed reduced by 30 mph in 37 mph.
These “Superior” ratings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Mercedes GLC 2020‘s optional front crash prevention systems in mitigating or avoiding collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) make it easier to install child safety seats correctly and securely. The IIHS evaluates the ease of use of LATCH systems.
The Mercedes GLC 2020 received an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system.
- Overall Evaluation: “Acceptable”
- Number of Rear Seating Positions with Complete LATCH Hardware: 2
- Additional Seating Positions with Tether Anchor Only: 1
While rated “Acceptable,” the Mercedes GLC 2020 still provides multiple positions for secure child seat installation, with room for improvement in LATCH system ease of use.
Conclusion
The Mercedes GLC 2020 demonstrates excellent safety performance across a range of crash tests and safety evaluations. It achieved “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories, showcasing robust occupant protection. While headlight ratings vary by trim, and the LATCH system is rated “Acceptable,” the availability of “Superior”-rated front crash prevention systems and overall “Good” crash test performance make the Mercedes GLC 2020 a safe choice in the luxury SUV segment. Potential buyers should consider opting for the Exterior Lighting package for optimal headlights and the Driver Assistance Package for advanced crash prevention features to maximize the safety benefits of the Mercedes GLC 2020.
