The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a hallmark of luxury and engineering, but how does it fare when it comes to safety? For prospective owners and safety-conscious drivers, understanding crash test performance is crucial. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, providing a comprehensive overview based on rigorous testing. Specifically focusing on models manufactured after April 2010, we explore the side impact crash test results and what they mean for occupant protection.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class underwent a redesign for the 2010 model year, and subsequent models built after April 2010 incorporated design enhancements to the front and rear door trim. These changes were specifically aimed at bolstering occupant safety during side impact collisions. The vehicle tested was a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, representing the safety features of the 2011 models produced post-April 2010.
In the critical side impact evaluation, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved an overall “Good” rating. This top score reflects the vehicle’s robust structural design and effective safety systems working in concert to protect occupants.
| 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 |
This “Good” rating extends across various critical aspects of the side impact test. The E-Class demonstrated excellent performance in maintaining the integrity of its structure and safety cage, which is fundamental in preventing serious injuries. Furthermore, injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger were rated “Good” across all body regions – head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg. This consistent top-level performance underscores the comprehensive protection offered by the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in side impact scenarios. Crucially, head protection for both the driver and rear passenger was also deemed “Good”, highlighting the effectiveness of the standard airbags in mitigating head injuries.
The image above illustrates the immediate aftermath of the side impact crash test, showing the point of contact between the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the deformable barrier. This test simulates a perpendicular collision with another vehicle, representing a common and dangerous real-world accident scenario.
Following the crash test, this image reveals the vehicle with doors removed, offering a clear view of the deployed side airbags and the integrity of the occupant compartment. The minimal intrusion into the passenger space is a testament to the strong safety cage design of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Greasepaint applied to the crash test dummy’s head provides visual confirmation of the effectiveness of the side airbags. As seen in this image, the greasepaint is smeared on the airbag, indicating that the driver’s head was properly cushioned and protected from direct impact with hard interior structures.
Similarly, this image shows greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head, demonstrating that the side curtain airbag effectively protected the rear occupant’s head as well. This confirms that the safety systems are designed to protect all occupants, not just those in the front seats.
In conclusion, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates robust safety performance in side impact crash testing, earning a top “Good” rating. This rating, applicable to models built after April 2010, reflects design improvements focused on occupant protection. With “Good” scores across structure, safety cage, and injury measures for both front and rear occupants, the 2011 E-Class prioritizes safety alongside its renowned luxury and performance. For those considering a vehicle that blends sophistication with safety, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a compelling option.
