When considering the safety of a luxury SUV, the Mercedes Gle 2019 stands out as a vehicle prioritizing occupant protection. Originally designated as the M-Class before its 2016 rebranding, the GLE-Class, including the 2019 model, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure high safety standards. This analysis delves into the side impact safety ratings of the Mercedes GLE 2019, drawing from established testing methodologies to provide a clear understanding of its protective capabilities.
The safety evaluation detailed here is applicable to Mercedes-Benz GLE models from 2016 to 2019. It’s important to note that while the tests were conducted on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec, the data remains relevant due to the structural similarities and consistent safety engineering across these model years. The vehicle tested was equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags, critical components in side impact protection.
Understanding the Side Impact Test and Overall Rating
The side impact ratings for the Mercedes GLE are derived from assessments conducted by Mercedes-Benz and evaluated by independent safety organizations. These ratings are based on a combination of two tests: one on a 2012 ML 550 V8 (with standard rear side torso airbags) and another on a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 (without 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. This is largely attributed to the vehicle’s design; the substantial size and long wheelbase (115 inches) of the Mercedes GLE mean that the impacting barrier is positioned relatively far from the rear seating area. Crucially, all occupants benefit from the standard side curtain airbags, which are highly effective in side impact scenarios.
The Mercedes GLE 2019 achieved an overall evaluation of “Good” (G) in side impact testing. This top rating signifies robust protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. The structural integrity of the vehicle, described as “Structure and safety cage,” also received a “Good” rating, indicating that the GLE’s framework is designed to withstand side impacts effectively, maintaining the occupant compartment space.
Detailed Injury Measures for Driver and Rear Passenger
The comprehensive side impact assessment includes detailed measurements of potential injuries to both the driver and rear passenger. These measures are categorized by body region and evaluated against established safety benchmarks.
Driver Injury Measures: Excellent Protection
For the driver, all injury measures were rated as “Good,” demonstrating comprehensive protection across all critical areas:
- Head/Neck: Rated “Good,” indicating a low risk of injury to the head and neck region in a side impact.
- Torso: Rated “Good,” signifying effective protection for the driver’s torso.
- Pelvis/Leg: Rated “Good,” highlighting minimal risk of injury to the pelvis and leg areas.
- Driver head protection: Also rated “Good,” confirming the effectiveness of head protection systems like side curtain airbags for the driver.
Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Consistent Safety
The rear passenger also benefits from “Good” ratings across all injury measures, mirroring the driver’s excellent protection:
- Head/Neck: “Good” rating, indicating low injury risk for the rear passenger’s head and neck.
- Torso: “Good” rating, showing effective torso protection for rear occupants.
- Pelvis/Leg: “Good” rating, demonstrating minimal injury risk to the pelvis and leg areas of rear passengers.
- Rear passenger head protection: “Good” rating, confirming that rear passengers are well-protected by head protection systems during side impacts.
Technical Data and Occupant Compartment Intrusion
Technical measurements from the side impact tests provide further insight into the Mercedes GLE’s performance. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side show how well the vehicle structure resists deformation in a side impact. The B-pillar intrusion, measured to the longitudinal centerline of the driver’s seat, was approximately -20 cm across different tests (VTS1115 and VTS1313). The negative value indicates that the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, a positive indicator of robust structural performance.
Detailed injury measures, recorded in specific units (like HIC-15 for head injury, kN for force, and mm for deflection), are available for those seeking a deeper technical understanding. These measurements, while highly technical, underpin the “Good” ratings and provide quantifiable data supporting the Mercedes GLE 2019’s strong side impact safety performance.
Conclusion: Mercedes GLE 2019 – A Safe Choice for Side Impact Protection
The Mercedes GLE 2019 earns its reputation as a safe luxury SUV, particularly excelling in side impact protection. The “Good” ratings across all injury measures for both driver and rear passenger, coupled with a robust safety cage design, underscore the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the Mercedes GLE 2019 offers peace of mind, backed by rigorous testing and demonstrably strong side impact performance.
