The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, particularly the 2018 model, stands out as a safe and reliable vehicle for families and individuals alike. Originally known as the M-Class, this luxury SUV was redesigned and rebranded as the GLE-Class starting in 2016. The safety ratings discussed here are applicable to GLE models from 2016 through 2019, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a pre-owned model.
The safety assessment for the GLE is based on rigorous side-impact tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz and evaluated by independent organizations. These ratings are derived from tests performed on both a 2012 ML 550 V8 (equipped with standard rear side torso airbags) and a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 (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 tests. It’s important to note that all models tested benefit from standard side curtain airbags, which offer significant protection in side impact scenarios, especially in larger vehicles like the GLE with a long wheelbase.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) consolidated the findings from these tests to assign side impact ratings. The overall evaluation for the Mercedes-Benz GLE in side-impact crashworthiness is Good (G). This “Good” rating is the highest possible, indicating a high level of protection for occupants in the event of a side collision.
This overall “Good” rating is further broken down into specific evaluation criteria, demonstrating consistent performance across various aspects of side-impact safety:
| 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 shown in the table, every single sub-category for both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as the critical structure and safety cage integrity, received a “Good” rating. This comprehensive “Good” performance underscores the robust safety engineering of the 2018 GLE Mercedes SUV in side-impact scenarios. The structural integrity of the vehicle’s safety cage is paramount in maintaining occupant space and reducing injury risk, and the “Good” rating here is a strong indicator of vehicle robustness.
Detailed technical measurements from these tests are also available, providing a deeper dive into the performance metrics. For instance, measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side and specific injury measures for the head, neck, torso, and pelvis for both driver and rear passenger are meticulously recorded. These technical details, while not essential for a general understanding of the safety rating, are available for those who require in-depth analysis.
In conclusion, the 2018 GLE Mercedes SUV earns a top “Good” rating for side-impact crash safety. This rating, backed by thorough testing and evaluation, highlights the vehicle’s strong structural design and effective occupant protection systems. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the 2018 GLE Mercedes SUV is a compelling option, offering peace of mind and proven crashworthiness.
