The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a popular luxury vehicle, underwent significant redesigns for the 2010 model year. For automotive professionals and owners concerned about safety, understanding vehicle crash performance is crucial. This analysis focuses on the side impact crash test results for the 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz E 350 models, specifically those manufactured after April 2010, which incorporated design enhancements to improve occupant safety in side collisions. These improvements in door trim were implemented to offer superior protection in the event of a side impact scenario.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted rigorous testing on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door model, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags. The evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s performance in protecting occupants during side impacts.
Side Impact Evaluation: “Good” Rating Achieved
The Mercedes-Benz E 350 achieved an overall evaluation of “Good” in the side impact test, the highest rating possible. This rating reflects the vehicle’s robust structural design and effective safety features working in concert to protect occupants. Key evaluation criteria and their corresponding ratings are detailed below:
| Evaluation Area | 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 |
These ratings indicate “Good” protection for all critical body regions for both the driver and rear passenger. The E 350’s structure and safety cage effectively maintained their integrity during the side impact, minimizing intrusion into the occupant compartment and providing a safe space for occupants.
Occupant Compartment and Airbag Performance
Post-crash analysis and visual inspection further confirmed the effectiveness of the E 350’s safety systems. The vehicle maintained its structural integrity well, with minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment. Doors were removed to provide a clear view of the interior, showcasing the deployed side airbags which played a crucial role in cushioning the occupants.
Greasepaint applied to the crash test dummies allowed for detailed analysis of head protection. The smeared greasepaint on the driver and rear passenger dummies clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the side airbags in preventing head contact with hard structures, a critical factor in mitigating head injuries during side impacts.
Technical Injury Measures Analysis
Detailed technical measurements from the crash test provide a deeper understanding of the forces and impacts experienced by the dummies representing vehicle occupants. Key measurements include occupant compartment intrusion and injury metrics for the head, neck, torso, and pelvis/leg regions.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -24.0 |
The negative value indicates that the structural crush stopped significantly short of the driver’s seat centerline, demonstrating minimal occupant compartment intrusion and maintaining crucial survival space.
Driver and Passenger Injury Measures:
| Injury Measure | Driver Measurement | Passenger Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 177 | 82 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 37 | 17 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| Torso Max Deflection (mm) | 38 | 28 |
| Torso Avg Deflection (mm) | 32 | 20 |
| Torso Max Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.85 | 2.79 |
| Torso Max Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.51 | 0.31 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.9 | 0.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.0 | 1.8 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 3.7 | 2.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 80 | 40 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 36 | -38 |
These measurements are within acceptable limits, indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a side impact collision for occupants in the Mercedes-Benz E 350. Lower HIC (Head Injury Criterion) values, for example, demonstrate effective head protection.
Conclusion: Robust Side Impact Safety Performance
The side impact crash test results for the 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz E 350 models built after April 2010 clearly demonstrate a “Good” level of safety performance. The vehicle’s structural design, coupled with its advanced airbag system, provides robust protection for both driver and rear passengers in side impact collisions. This detailed analysis is valuable for automotive repair professionals, prospective buyers, and current owners seeking to understand the safety capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz E 350.
