2017 Mercedes GLC Safety Ratings and Crash Test Performance

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a luxury compact SUV that replaced the GLK model in 2016, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure passenger safety. This report details the safety performance of the 2017 Mercedes Glc based on evaluations, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, head restraints, headlights, and front crash prevention. These ratings are crucial for prospective buyers and those interested in the safety standards of the 2017 Mercedes GLC.

Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side Test

Rating: Good (for 2016-22 models)

In the driver-side small overlap front test, the 2017 Mercedes GLC demonstrated robust structural integrity. The critical safety cage maintained its structure well, earning a “Good” rating.

Driver injury measures were also rated “Good” across all categories: head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot.

However, concerning driver restraints and dummy kinematics, the rating was “Acceptable”. During the test, the dummy’s head made contact with the frontal airbag but subsequently rolled to the left. This movement occurred because the seat belt allowed excessive forward motion of the head and torso. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing adequate forward coverage to protect the head from impacts with side structures and external objects.

Action shot illustrating the 2017 Mercedes GLC driver-side small overlap frontal crash test in progress.

View of the dummy’s position relative to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel post-collision, indicating good maintenance of the driver’s survival space in the 2017 Mercedes GLC.

Image showing the dummy’s head contact with the frontal airbag followed by a roll to the left, highlighting a gap in coverage between airbags in the 2017 Mercedes GLC.

Demonstrating the well-maintained driver’s space and low risk of leg and foot injuries for the dummy in the 2017 Mercedes GLC driver-side small overlap test.

Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test

Measurement Category Detail Value
Test ID CEN1722
Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion
Lower hinge pillar max cm 1
Footrest cm 10
Left toepan cm 7
Brake pedal cm 3
Rocker panel lateral average cm 1
Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion
Steering column cm 0
Upper hinge pillar max cm 1
Upper dash cm 2
Lower instrument panel cm 2

Driver Injury Measures – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test

Injury Metric Detail Value
Test ID CEN1722
Head
HIC-15 224
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension kN 1.2
Extension bending moment Nm 10
Maximum Nij 0.22
Chest
Maximum compression mm 23
Femur
Left kN 1.1
Right kN 1.0
Knee Displacement
Left mm 2
Right mm 3
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk
Left % 0
Right % 0
Maximum Tibia Index
Left 0.64
Right 0.41
Tibia Axial Force
Left kN 3.0
Right kN 1.8
Foot Acceleration
Left g 86
Right g 61

Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side Test

Rating: Good (for 2016-22 models)

The passenger-side small overlap frontal test for the 2017 Mercedes GLC also resulted in a “Good” overall rating. This rating is based on two tests conducted on a 2018 model, one by the Institute and another by Mercedes-Benz. Both structural performance and passenger injury measures received “Good” ratings across the board, including head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good”. Notably, driver injury measures were also assessed and achieved “Good” ratings in all categories during the passenger-side test.

Action shot from the Institute’s passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test of the 2017 Mercedes GLC.

Post-crash dummy position relative to the door frame and dashboard, confirming well-maintained passenger survival space in the 2017 Mercedes GLC (Institute test car shown).

Demonstration of effective frontal and side curtain airbag coordination to protect the head from stiff structures or external objects in the 2017 Mercedes GLC (Institute test shown).

Illustration of well-maintained passenger space in both tests, with a note on potential right lower leg injuries in the Institute’s test for the 2017 Mercedes GLC.

Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test

Measurement Category Detail Test ID: CEP1712 Test ID: VTP1702
Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion
Lower hinge pillar max cm 2 2
Footrest cm 16 8
Right toepan cm 8 3
Center toepan cm 4 3
Rocker panel lateral average cm 0 0
Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion
Center dash cm 1 1
Upper hinge pillar max cm 2 3
Upper dash cm 4 3
Right lower dash cm 4 4

Passenger Injury Measures – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test

Injury Metric Detail Test ID: CEP1712 Test ID: VTP1702
Head
HIC-15 122 53
Peak gs at hard contact no contact no contact
Neck
Tension kN 0.7 0.9
Extension bending moment Nm 17 11
Maximum Nij 0.20 0.20
Chest
Maximum compression mm 18 19
Femur
Left kN 0.1 0.0
Right kN 1.2 0.0
Knee Displacement
Left mm 1 1
Right mm 0 1
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk
Left % 0 0
Right % 0 0
Maximum Tibia Index
Left 0.21 0.17
Right 0.81 0.15
Tibia Axial Force
Left kN 1.1 0.2
Right kN 4.7 0.5
Foot Acceleration
Left g 68 41
Right g 109 60

Driver Injury Measures – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test

Injury Metric Detail Test ID: CEP1712 Test ID: VTP1702
Head
HIC-15 105 42
Peak gs at hard contact no contact no contact
Neck
Tension kN 0.7 0.8
Extension bending moment Nm 7 4
Maximum Nij 0.12 0.20
Chest
Maximum compression mm 21 18
Femur
Left kN 0.6 0.6
Right kN 0.9 1.1
Knee Displacement
Left mm 2 1
Right mm 3 3
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk
Left % 0 0
Right % 0 0
Maximum Tibia Index
Left 0.18 0.27
Right 0.49 0.26
Tibia Axial Force
Left kN 0.4 0.2
Right kN 0.7 1.5
Foot Acceleration
Left g 23 25
Right g 47 53

Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test

Rating: Good (for 2016-22 models)

The 2017 Mercedes GLC achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test. This evaluation, based on a test conducted by Mercedes-Benz, confirms the vehicle’s strong frontal crash protection. Ratings for structure and safety cage, driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot left and right), and driver restraints and dummy kinematics were all “Good”.

Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test

Measurement Category Detail Value
Test ID VTF1626
Footwell Intrusion
Footrest cm 1
Left cm 1
Center cm 0
Right cm 0
Brake pedal cm 1
Instrument Panel Rearward Movement
Left cm 0
Right cm -1
Steering Column Movement
Upward cm -2
Rearward cm -7
A-pillar Rearward Movement cm 0

Driver Injury Measures – Moderate Overlap Front Test

Injury Metric Detail Value
Test ID VTF1626
Head
HIC-15 131
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension kN 1.1
Extension bending moment Nm 13
Maximum Nij 0.21
Chest
Maximum compression mm 25
Legs
Femur force – left kN 0.8
Femur force – right kN 0.7
Knee displacement – left mm 1
Knee displacement – right mm 2
Maximum tibia index – left 0.17
Maximum tibia index – right 0.27
Tibia axial force – left kN 1.9
Tibia axial force – right kN 2.8
Foot Acceleration
Left g 45
Right g 68

Side: Original Test

Rating: Good (for 2016-22 models)

In side impact testing, the 2017 Mercedes GLC again earned a “Good” overall rating. This rating, based on Mercedes-Benz conducted tests, applies to 2016-22 models. All measured criteria for both driver and rear passenger injury measures, including head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg, as well as driver and rear passenger head protection, were rated “Good”.

Technical Measurements – Side Impact Test

Measurement Category Detail Test ID: VTS1625
Occupant Compartment Intrusion B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat cm

Driver Injury Measures – Side Impact Test

Injury Metric Detail Value
Test ID VTS1625
Head HIC-15 133
Neck Tension kN
Compression kN
Shoulder Lateral deflection mm
Lateral force kN
Torso Maximum deflection mm
Average deflection mm
Maximum deflection rate m/s
Maximum viscous criterion m/s
Pelvis Iliac force kN
Acetabulum force kN
Combined force kN
Left Femur L-M force kN
L-M moment Nm
A-P moment Nm

Passenger Injury Measures – Side Impact Test

Injury Metric Detail Value
Test ID VTS1625
Head HIC-15 137
Neck Tension kN
Compression kN
Shoulder Lateral deflection mm
Lateral force kN
Torso Maximum deflection mm
Average deflection mm
Maximum deflection rate m/s
Maximum viscous criterion m/s
Pelvis Iliac force kN
Acetabulum force kN
Combined force kN
Left Femur L-M force kN
L-M moment Nm
A-P moment Nm

Roof Strength

Rating: Good (for 2016-22 models)

The roof strength of the 2017 Mercedes GLC is rated as “Good”. The test results show a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04, with a peak force of 24,311 lbs against a curb weight of 4,026 lbs.

Technical Measurements – Roof Strength Test

Evaluation Criteria Measurement
Overall evaluation G
Curb weight 4,026 lbs
Peak force 24,311 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio 6.04

Head Restraints & Seats

Rating: Good

The head restraints and seats in the 2017 Mercedes GLC with power leather seats are rated “Good” overall. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry achieved “Good” ratings.

Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats Test

Seat Type Detail Measurement
Power leather seat Geometry
Backset mm
Distance below top of head mm
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail
Max T1 acceleration g
Head contact time ms
Force rating
Neck forces
Max neck shear force N
Max neck tension N

Headlights

The 2017 Mercedes GLC headlight ratings vary based on trim level and headlight type.

Trim Level 1: GLC 300 with Premium 3 package

Rating: Good

This trim, equipped with LED projector low and high beams, curve-adaptive headlights, and high-beam assist, received an overall “Good” rating.

Technical Measurements – Headlights (Premium 3 Package)

Evaluation Criteria Measurement
Trim level(s) – GLC 300 trim equipped with Premium 3 package
Low-beam headlight type LED projector
High-beam headlight type LED projector
Curve-adaptive? Yes
High-beam assist? Yes
Overall rating (Applies to 2017-19 models) G
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 100.2 m None
Straightaway left edge 73.4 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 87.8 m 5.6%
250m radius left curve, left edge 69.7 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 72.8 m 21.4%
150m radius left curve, left edge 70.1 m 19.5%
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 141.1 m
Straightaway left edge 125.0 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 95.5 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 94.8 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 75.8 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 79.6 m

Trim Level 2: GLC 300 with Premium 1 & LED Headlamps, or Premium 2 & LED Headlamps packages

Rating: Acceptable

This configuration, featuring LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, but without curve-adaptive or high-beam assist, is rated “Acceptable”.

Technical Measurements – Headlights (Premium 1 & 2 Packages)

Evaluation Criteria Measurement
Trim level(s) – GLC 300 trim equipped with Premium 1 and LED Headlamps and taillamps packages – GLC 300 trim equipped with Premium 2 and LED Headlamps and taillamps packages
Low-beam headlight type LED projector
High-beam headlight type LED reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? No
Overall rating (Applies to 2017-19 models) A
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 88.8 m None
Straightaway left edge 68.9 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 58.6 m 2.1%
250m radius left curve, left edge 66.4 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 50.4 m 32.0%
150m radius left curve, left edge 53.8 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 165.1 m
Straightaway left edge 129.1 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 70.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 74.2 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 55.3 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 57.2 m

Trim Level 3: GLC 300 (Base Trim)

Rating: Marginal

The base trim of the 2017 Mercedes GLC with Halogen reflector headlights for both low and high beams, and without curve-adaptive or high-beam assist, received a “Marginal” rating.

Technical Measurements – Headlights (Base Trim)

Evaluation Criteria Measurement
Trim level(s) – GLC 300 trim
Low-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? No
Overall rating (Applies to 2017-19 models) M
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 84.0 m None
Straightaway left edge 52.6 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 59.3 m 12.6%
250m radius left curve, left edge 49.4 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 45.5 m 47.9%
150m radius left curve, left edge 43.3 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 165.6 m
Straightaway left edge 107.4 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 65.8 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 59.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 49.4 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 46.7 m

Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle

Rating: Superior

The 2017 Mercedes GLC offers superior front crash prevention technology.

With the optional Pre-Safe Brake system included in the Premium 3 Package, the 2017 Mercedes GLC earns a “Superior” rating. This system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.

The standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus system also earned a “Superior” rating, as it avoided collisions at both 12 mph and 25 mph. However, this standard system does not meet forward collision warning requirements.

Front Crash Prevention Systems Details

System Detail Optional System (Premium 3 Package) Standard System
System Name Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition Collision Prevention Assist Plus
Forward Collision Warning Meets requirements Does not meet requirements
12 mph Test Collision Avoided Collision Avoided
25 mph Test Collision Avoided Collision Avoided
Overall Evaluation (Applies to 2016-19 models) Superior Superior

Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)

Rating: Acceptable

The child seat anchor system in the 2017 Mercedes GLC is rated “Acceptable”. It features 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor.

Child Seat Anchor Details

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall evaluation A
Vehicle trim GLC 300
Seat type leatherette

LATCH Hardware Details by Seating Position

Position Tether Anchor Lower Anchors
1 Easy-to-find, no confusion, easy to maneuver around Not too deep, not too much force needed, difficult to maneuver around anchors
2 Easy-to-find, no confusion, easy to maneuver around None available
3 Easy-to-find, no confusion, easy to maneuver around Not too deep, not too much force needed, difficult to maneuver around anchors

Technical Measurements – Child Seat Anchors

Seat position 21

Lower Anchor Detail
Lower anchor A Open access, Visible depth, 1 lbs Force, 55 degrees Clearance angle
Lower anchor B Open access, Visible depth, 1 lbs Force, 49 degrees Clearance angle
Tether anchor Middle seatback Location, Confusing hardware present, Contrasting label within 3 inches

Seat position 22

Lower Anchor Detail
Lower anchor A No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor Middle seatback Location, Confusing hardware present, Contrasting label within 3 inches

Seat position 23

Lower Anchor Detail
Lower anchor A Open access, Visible depth, 0 lbs Force, 55 degrees Clearance angle
Lower anchor B Open access, Visible depth, 0 lbs Force, 53 degrees Clearance angle
Tether anchor Middle seatback Location, Confusing hardware present, Contrasting label within 3 inches

Conclusion

Overall, the 2017 Mercedes GLC demonstrates strong safety performance across various crash tests and safety evaluations. It achieved “Good” ratings in most categories, providing robust protection for occupants. Headlight ratings vary by trim level, with the Premium 3 package offering the best visibility with a “Good” rating. The vehicle also features superior front crash prevention systems, further enhancing its safety profile. While the child seat anchor system is rated as “Acceptable”, it still provides adequate LATCH features for securing child seats. For buyers prioritizing safety, the 2017 Mercedes GLC stands out as a highly rated vehicle in its class.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *