The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, known as the GLE-Class in later models, has long been synonymous with luxury and performance. But for discerning car buyers, safety is just as crucial. If you’re considering a pre-owned luxury SUV, particularly the Mercedes-benz M-class Ml350, understanding its safety credentials is paramount. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, with a focus on the ML350 model, to give you a clear picture of its occupant protection.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously tested the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and awarded it a “Good” overall rating in side impact tests. This rating applies to models manufactured between 2012 and 2015, encompassing the popular ML350. The test vehicle specifically examined was a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec 4-door 4wd, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, representing typical safety features for this model year.
Alt text: Side impact crash test rating for 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec showing “Good” overall evaluation.
Decoding the “Good” Rating for Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350
A “Good” rating from IIHS signifies the highest level of safety in their evaluation system. For the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350, achieving this “Good” rating in the side impact test means that the vehicle provides excellent protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. Specifically, the evaluation criteria and ratings break down as follows:
| 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 |
As you can see, across all critical areas of assessment, including the structural integrity of the vehicle and injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 consistently scored “Good”. This indicates a robust safety design and effective occupant protection systems.
Understanding the Side Impact Test Details for ML350
It’s noteworthy that the side impact rating for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is based on two tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by the IIHS. The first test involved a 2012 model ML 550 V8, which included standard rear side torso airbags. The second test was performed on a 2014 model ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 without the optional rear side torso airbags.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the side impact crash test setup for Mercedes-Benz M-Class, highlighting barrier impact zone.
Interestingly, the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags had minimal impact on rear occupant protection in these tests. This is attributed to the vehicle’s design and size. For a large SUV like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350, with its substantial wheelbase (115 inches), the impacting barrier in a side collision is relatively far from the rear seating area. Regardless of rear torso airbags, all occupants benefit from the standard side curtain airbags, which are crucial in side impact scenarios.
Technical measurements from these tests further validate the “Good” ratings. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion and detailed injury measures for the head, neck, torso, pelvis, and legs of both driver and passenger dummies consistently demonstrated excellent protection. These detailed measurements, while technical, underpin the overall “Good” safety rating, providing data-driven assurance of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350’s safety performance.
Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz ML350 – A Safe Choice in the Luxury SUV Segment
For those prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 (2012-2015 models) stands out with its “Good” side impact rating from IIHS. This rating, backed by rigorous testing and detailed evaluation, confirms the vehicle’s strong safety structure and effective occupant protection. Whether you are a driver or passenger, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 is designed to provide a high level of safety in side-impact collisions, making it a confident choice in the pre-owned luxury SUV market.
