The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, a luxury SUV known for its performance and features, also holds strong safety ratings, particularly in side impact crash tests. It’s important to note that these ratings are based on tests conducted on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the predecessor to the GLE-Class, specifically models from 2016-2019. These tests provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in the event of a side collision.
This evaluation is derived from tests performed on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec 4-door 4wd, which was equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class underwent a redesign for the 2012 model year and was subsequently rebranded as the GLE-Class starting with the 2016 models. While rear side torso airbags were standard in the 2012-2013 M-Class models, they became optional starting in 2014.
The side impact ratings for the Mercedes-benz Gle-class 2016 are a combination of two tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz and evaluated by the Institute. The first test involved a 2012 ML 550 V8, which included standard rear side torso airbags. The second test was performed on a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 without the optional rear side torso airbags. The combined ratings are considered valid because the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during these tests. It is important to remember that all occupants still benefit from the standard side curtain airbags, which are crucial in side impact scenarios. This is particularly relevant for a large vehicle like the GLE-Class with a long wheelbase (115 inches), where the impact zone in a side collision is relatively far from the rear seating area.
Excellent Side Impact Protection: Overall ‘Good’ Rating
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016 achieved an overall evaluation of “Good” in side impact testing. This “Good” rating extends to critical aspects of vehicle safety, including the structural integrity and safety cage of the vehicle, which were also rated as “Good”. Furthermore, injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger were consistently low across all body regions assessed.
Specifically, for driver injury measures, the head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg areas all received “Good” ratings. Driver head protection was also rated as “Good,” indicating effective protection by the safety systems in place. Similarly, rear passenger injury measures for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg were all rated “Good,” and rear passenger head protection also achieved a “Good” rating. This consistent “Good” performance across all evaluation criteria demonstrates the robust side impact safety of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016.
Detailed Occupant Injury Measures in Side Impact Tests
Technical measurements from the side impact tests provide a deeper understanding of occupant protection in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side indicate minimal intrusion into the passenger space during the crash tests. The B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of the driver’s seat measurement was -20.0 cm in test VTS1115 and -19.0 cm in test VTS1313. Negative values here signify that the vehicle crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, indicating good structural resistance.
Driver injury measures, such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15), neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, and pelvis and femur forces and moments, were all within acceptable ranges, contributing to the “Good” injury ratings. Similarly, passenger injury measures, including head HIC-15, neck forces, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, and pelvis and femur forces and moments, also demonstrated low risk of injury, reinforcing the “Good” ratings for rear passenger protection.
Conclusion: Exceptional Side Impact Safety for Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016 exhibits outstanding side impact safety performance, earning an overall “Good” rating. This rating is supported by comprehensive crash testing and detailed injury measurements, demonstrating effective protection for both driver and rear passengers. Prospective buyers looking for a safe and luxurious SUV can be confident in the side impact protection offered by the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016.
