The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while part of the 2007-2009 model range, stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to occupant safety, especially in side-impact collisions. This article delves into the safety performance of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, drawing from crash test evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of its safety features and ratings.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class underwent a significant re-engineering for the 2007 model year, with a primary focus on enhancing side-impact protection. Initial tests conducted on an early 2007 model revealed an “Acceptable” rating, mainly due to elevated forces registered on the driver’s torso. However, Mercedes-Benz proactively addressed this by implementing design changes to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007.
A subsequent crash test was performed on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class incorporating these improvements. While the refined design demonstrated a reduction in forces on the driver’s torso, it wasn’t substantial enough to alter the torso injury rating or the overall safety assessment. Consequently, the safety ratings for the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models are based on the combined results of both tests, representing a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle’s side-impact safety.
| 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 |
Side impact crash test of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showing vehicle and barrier contact just after the second crash test.
The table above summarizes the critical safety ratings for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in side-impact collisions. The “Overall evaluation” and “Structure and safety cage” both received a rating of “Acceptable” (A). In terms of “Driver injury measures,” the “Head/neck” and “Pelvis/leg” protection were rated “Good” (G) and “Acceptable” (A) respectively, while the “Torso” protection was rated “Marginal” (M). For “Driver head protection” and “Rear passenger injury measures” across all categories (“Head/neck”, “Torso”, “Pelvis/leg”, “Head protection”), the ratings were consistently “Good” (G).
Post-crash view of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with doors removed, revealing deployed side airbags and the structural integrity of the occupant compartment after a side impact collision.
The structural performance and safety cage of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class played a crucial role in occupant protection. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side, taken from two tests (CES0630 and CES0719), indicate the vehicle’s resistance to deformation. The B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of the driver’s seat measured -7.5 cm and -9.0 cm respectively, with negative numbers indicating the extent to which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. These measurements reflect the robustness of the E-Class’s structure in maintaining the integrity of the occupant space during a side impact.
Further insights into occupant protection are provided by detailed driver and passenger injury measures.
Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 132 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 53 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 46 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 5.19 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 1.33 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 3.1 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 5.5 |
| Left Femur L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Left Femur L-M moment (Nm) | 147 |
| Left Femur A-P moment (Nm) | 52 |
Greasepaint on the driver dummy’s head illustrates the area protected by side airbags, preventing contact with hard structures during the first crash test of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Passenger Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 42 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 1.0 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.59 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Left Femur L-M force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Left Femur L-M moment (Nm) | 88 |
| Left Femur A-P moment (Nm) | -25 |
Greasepaint markings on the rear passenger dummy’s head indicate the effectiveness of side airbags in preventing head injury during the second crash test of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
These technical measurements provide a detailed look at the forces and deflections experienced by both driver and rear passenger dummies during the side-impact tests. Notably, the “Head HIC-15” values for both driver and passenger remained low, indicating good head protection. While the driver’s torso received a “Marginal” rating, the rear passenger’s torso protection was rated “Good.”
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, particularly in side-impact scenarios. Through design enhancements and robust safety features like standard front and rear head curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted and rear door-mounted torso airbags, the 2009 E-Class offers a high level of occupant protection. While the driver torso protection was rated as marginal, the overall safety performance, especially for rear passengers and head protection for all occupants, is commendable, making the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a safe and reliable choice in its class. When considering a used vehicle, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s safety ratings should be a key factor for discerning buyers.
