The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a paragon of luxury and engineering, and safety is a key aspect of its design. This analysis delves into the side impact safety performance of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, drawing upon rigorous crash testing data. It’s important to note that the data applies to models within the 2010-2016 E-Class generation, specifically those manufactured after April 2010, which incorporated crucial design enhancements for improved side impact protection.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, redesigned for the 2010 model year, underwent significant changes to its door trim starting April 2010. These modifications were specifically implemented to bolster occupant safety during side impact collisions. For precise manufacturing dates, vehicle owners can refer to the certification label located on the driver’s side door or the B-pillar.
| 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 |
The table above summarizes the side impact crash test ratings for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The vehicle achieved an overall “Good” rating, the highest possible, indicating robust performance in protecting occupants during side collisions. This rating encompasses several critical aspects of safety evaluation.
The structural integrity of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is rated “Good,” signifying that the safety cage effectively maintained its structure during the side impact test, providing a strong protective shell for occupants. Furthermore, assessments of driver injury measures for the head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg areas all received “Good” ratings. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety systems in minimizing potential injuries to the driver in these critical body regions during a side impact. Driver head protection was also rated as “Good,” underscoring the role of side airbags in preventing head injuries.
Similarly, rear passenger injury measures for the head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg also achieved “Good” ratings. This consistent “Good” performance across both front and rear occupant zones highlights the comprehensive approach to safety in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class design. Rear passenger head protection also earned a “Good” rating, further emphasizing the vehicle’s dedication to safeguarding all occupants.
Greasepaint analysis on the driver dummy’s head clearly illustrates the crucial role of the side airbags. The smear marks indicate the airbag effectively cushioned the head, preventing contact with hard structures and significantly reducing the risk of head injury.
Likewise, greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head confirms the side airbag’s protective function for rear occupants. These visual indicators reinforce the importance of side airbags as a key safety feature in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Technical measurements from the side impact test provide a more granular view of the vehicle’s performance.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | CES1002 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -24.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
The minimal occupant compartment intrusion, measured at -24.0 cm for the B-pillar, demonstrates the structural strength of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This limited intrusion is vital in maintaining survival space for occupants during a severe side impact.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1002 |
| Head HIC-15 | 177 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.85 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.7 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.1 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 80 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 36 |
Detailed driver injury measures, such as a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 177, and low forces and deflections in the neck, shoulder, torso, and pelvis regions, further corroborate the “Good” ratings. These measurements indicate a low risk of significant injuries to the driver in a side impact scenario.
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1002 |
| Head HIC-15 | 82 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.79 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.31 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 40 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -38 |
Similarly, passenger injury measures show even lower HIC values and reduced forces across body regions compared to the driver side. This suggests a high level of protection for rear passengers in side impact crashes as well.
In conclusion, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates exceptional side impact safety performance. The “Good” ratings across all evaluation criteria, supported by detailed technical measurements, underscore the vehicle’s robust design and effective safety technologies in protecting occupants during side collisions. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury vehicle, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers compelling evidence of its protective capabilities.
