The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV stands as a testament to luxury and safety in the midsize SUV market. For those prioritizing passenger protection, understanding safety ratings is crucial. This article delves into the side impact safety performance of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE, drawing insights from rigorous testing and evaluations.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which was rebranded from the M-Class starting in 2016, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has played a pivotal role in evaluating the side impact protection of these vehicles. While the rating officially applies to 2016-2019 models, the data is rooted in tests conducted on earlier models, specifically the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 550 and the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec.
It’s important to note that the side impact ratings for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE, and indeed for the 2016-2019 range, are based on a combination of tests. These tests involved a 2012 model with standard rear side torso airbags and a 2014 model without the optional rear side torso airbags. Interestingly, the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during these side impact evaluations. This is largely attributed to the vehicle’s design; as a large SUV with a 115-inch wheelbase, the impact zone in a side collision is relatively far forward from the rear seating area. Crucially, all occupants benefit from the standard side curtain airbags, which offer significant head protection in side impact scenarios.
According to the combined test data, the Mercedes-Benz GLE earns a “Good” overall rating for side impact protection. This “Good” rating extends across various evaluation criteria, including the structural integrity and safety cage of the vehicle. In terms of driver injury measures, the GLE also achieves “Good” ratings for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg protection. The same “Good” ratings apply to rear passenger injury measures across head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg areas. Both driver and rear passenger head protection are also rated as “Good”.
For a more detailed look, technical measurements from these tests reveal specific data points. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side, B-pillar displacement relative to the driver’s seat centerline, were recorded in two tests (VTS1115 and VTS1313). These measurements, represented by negative numbers, indicate the extent to which the structural crush stopped short of the seat centerline, showcasing effective space preservation for the driver.
Furthermore, driver and passenger injury measures are quantified through metrics like Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15), neck tension and compression forces, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, pelvis iliac and acetabulum forces, and femur forces and moments. These technical measurements provide a granular view of the forces experienced by occupants during the side impact tests, all contributing to the overall “Good” safety rating of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV offers robust side impact protection, earning a top “Good” rating from IIHS based on comprehensive testing. This rating underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to passenger safety, making the 2018 GLE a strong contender for buyers prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV.
