The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC marked a significant step in the luxury compact SUV segment, blending opulent design with robust performance. For discerning buyers, safety is paramount, and the GLC doesn’t disappoint. This article delves into the comprehensive safety ratings of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC, providing an in-depth analysis of its performance in various crash tests and safety evaluations. We’ll explore how this vehicle stands up to scrutiny, ensuring peace of mind for you and your passengers.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver and Passenger Side Analysis
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a narrow object like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests, providing a comprehensive view of its frontal crash protection.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4-door 4wd was tested in the driver-side small overlap front test. The results indicate a strong performance in structural integrity and occupant protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
During the test, the structure and safety cage of the GLC held up exceptionally well, earning a “Good” rating. All driver injury measures – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – also received “Good” ratings, signifying a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash scenario of this type.
Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, further confirming the structural robustness of the GLC. For instance, the maximum intrusion at the lower hinge pillar was only 1 cm, and the steering column showed no intrusion at all.
However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Acceptable.” The test report noted that while the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it rolled to the left due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seat belt. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering adequate forward coverage to protect the head from side structure and external object contact.
Technical measurements corroborate the visual assessment, with low injury measures recorded across the board. For example, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was a low 224, and chest compression was minimal at 23mm. Femur forces and tibia index values were also low, indicating a reduced risk of leg and foot injuries.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The passenger-side small overlap front test is equally crucial in evaluating overall frontal crash safety. A 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4-door 4wd was used for these tests, which are applicable to the 2017 model as well due to the vehicle’s carryover design. Two tests were conducted for the passenger side, one by the Institute and another by Mercedes-Benz, with ratings based on both.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap test. The structure and safety cage again demonstrated “Good” performance. Crucially, all passenger injury measures – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot – received “Good” ratings, indicating excellent protection for the front passenger. Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics also earned a “Good” rating, a step up from the driver-side assessment, suggesting optimized passenger-side restraint systems. Notably, driver-side injury measures, though evaluated in the passenger-side test, also received “Good” ratings, indicating consistent safety performance across the front cabin.
Occupant compartment intrusion measurements were minimal on the passenger side as well, reinforcing the structural integrity. While slightly higher intrusion was noted in some areas compared to the driver-side test (e.g., lower hinge pillar max at 2cm), these values remained within a range indicating excellent structural performance.
Technical measurements for passenger injury measures were consistently low across both tests conducted. Although forces on the right lower leg were slightly elevated in the Institute’s test, indicating a marginal possibility of injury, the Mercedes-Benz conducted test showed low injury risk to both legs and feet. Driver injury measures, recorded during the passenger-side test, also showed low values, further demonstrating the balanced safety design of the 2017 GLC.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Solid Frontal Impact Performance
The moderate overlap front crash test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width impacting a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This test is representative of a significant portion of real-world frontal collisions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s performance in this test further underscores its frontal crash safety.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. Both the structure and safety cage, and all driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot – left and right) received “Good” ratings. Driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” indicating optimal performance of the restraint systems in this type of frontal impact.
Technical measurements reveal minimal occupant compartment intrusion, with only 1cm of intrusion at the footrest and left footwell. Instrument panel and steering column movement were also minimal, indicating a well-designed structure to maintain occupant space. Driver injury measures were low across the board, with a low HIC-15 of 131 and minimal chest compression at 25mm. Femur forces and tibia index values for both legs were also low, suggesting a minimal risk of lower extremity injuries.
Side Impact Crash Test: Robust Side Protection
Side impacts are a significant concern in vehicle safety, and the side crash test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in such collisions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent the original side test, and its performance demonstrates strong side impact protection.
| 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a “Good” overall rating in the side crash test. The structure and safety cage held up well, receiving a “Good” rating. Critically, all driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg, and driver head protection) and rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg, and rear passenger head protection) were rated “Good.” This comprehensive “Good” rating across all categories highlights the GLC’s robust side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Technical measurements indicate minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment during the side impact. Driver and passenger injury measures were consistently low, demonstrating effective protection of critical body regions in a side collision scenario.
Roof Strength Evaluation: Ensuring Rollover Safety
Roof strength is crucial in rollover accidents. The roof strength test measures how much force a vehicle’s roof can withstand before collapsing, protecting occupants in a rollover event.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.04 |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a “Good” rating for roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04, the GLC’s roof can withstand over six times its own weight, demonstrating excellent structural integrity in rollover scenarios. This strong roof structure significantly reduces the risk of roof crush and associated injuries in a rollover accident.
Head Restraints and Seats: Whiplash Protection
Head restraints and seat design play a vital role in preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s head restraints and seats were evaluated for their dynamic and geometric performance.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints & seats, with both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry also rated “Good.” Technical measurements indicate effective head restraint geometry and low neck forces during simulated rear-end impacts, signifying good whiplash protection for occupants.
Headlight Performance: Visibility and Safety Across Trim Levels
Headlight performance is a critical safety feature, affecting visibility and accident avoidance, especially at night and in low-light conditions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level and headlight type.
GLC 300 with Premium 3 Package (LED Projector Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G |
The GLC 300 trim equipped with the Premium 3 package, featuring LED projector headlights, achieved a “Good” overall rating. These headlights provide good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some limitations of low beams on curves.
GLC 300 with Premium 1 & 2 and LED Headlamps Packages (LED Reflector Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | A |
The GLC 300 trims equipped with Premium 1 and 2 packages, and LED Headlamps and taillamps packages, featuring LED reflector headlights, earned an “Acceptable” overall rating. These headlights offer good to fair visibility in various driving scenarios, with some glare noted in low beams.
GLC 300 Base Trim (Halogen Reflector Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | M |
The base GLC 300 trim with Halogen reflector headlights received a “Marginal” overall rating. These headlights provide fair to inadequate visibility in certain conditions, particularly on curves, and also exhibit some glare in low beams. This highlights the importance of considering trim levels and headlight options when prioritizing visibility and safety.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Safety Systems
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important in mitigating or preventing frontal collisions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers different front crash prevention systems depending on the trim and options.
Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition (Premium 3 Package)
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
With the optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, available in the Premium 3 Package, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieves a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention. This system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests.
Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
The standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus also earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention. While this standard system does not meet forward collision warning requirements, it still successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests, demonstrating effective automatic emergency braking capabilities.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH): Ease of Use for Child Safety Seats
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are essential for safe and secure installation of child safety seats. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s LATCH system was evaluated for ease of use.
| Overall evaluation | A |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC received an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchors (LATCH). It features two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. While the system is functional, some aspects, like maneuverability around the anchors, were noted as difficult.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crashworthiness evaluations. It offers robust protection in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, and rollover crashes. Head restraints and seats provide good whiplash protection, and front crash prevention systems are rated “Superior.” Headlight ratings vary by trim, with LED projector headlights earning the top “Good” rating. While child seat anchors are rated “Acceptable,” the GLC provides a generally safe environment for families. For buyers prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out as a highly rated and secure choice.
