The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class marked a significant redesign, introducing enhanced safety features, particularly in models manufactured after December 2002. These later models incorporated structural improvements aimed at bolstering occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. To discern the effectiveness of these enhancements, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) subjected an E-Class, embodying these structural changes, to a rigorous 40 mph frontal offset crash test against a deformable barrier.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy’s head moved partway out the open window and hit the B-pillar and window frame. | A |
The results of the crash test were categorized using a rating system ranging from “Good” (G) to “Poor” (P). The 2003 Benz E-Class achieved an overall evaluation of “Good,” the highest possible rating. This accolade extended to critical aspects of vehicle safety. The structure and safety cage of the 2003 benz e class also earned a “Good” rating, signifying its robustness in maintaining the integrity of the occupant compartment during a frontal collision.
In terms of driver injury measures, the 2003 Benz E-Class showcased exceptional performance across all evaluated body regions. Head and neck protection was rated “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injury to these critical areas. Chest protection was also deemed “Good,” highlighting the effectiveness of the restraint systems in mitigating chest trauma. Furthermore, the ratings for leg and foot protection, for both the left and right sides, were “Good,” suggesting a minimal likelihood of lower extremity injuries in a crash scenario of this nature within this 2003 benz model.
The evaluation of driver restraints and dummy kinematics, which assesses how well the vehicle controls occupant movement during and after the impact, received an “Acceptable” (A) rating. The report noted that dummy movement was generally well-controlled. However, during rebound, the dummy’s head made partial contact with the B-pillar and window frame after moving partway out of the open window. Importantly, despite this contact, head acceleration from this impact was measured as low, minimizing potential injury.
Detailed technical measurements from the test further support the positive safety assessment of the 2003 benz.
Technical measurements for this test
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Left (cm) | 7 |
| Center (cm) | 9 |
| Right (cm) | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 5 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -2 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 1 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 230 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 40 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 24 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 2.8 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 2.4 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.45 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.71 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 3.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 48 |
| Right | 60 |
The measurements of occupant compartment intrusion indicated minimal deformation into the driver’s side, preserving critical survival space. Similarly, driver injury measures were low across the board. For example, Head Injury Criterion (HIC) was 230, well below the threshold for significant head injury. Femur forces and tibia index values for both legs were also low, further corroborating the “Good” rating for leg and foot protection in this 2003 benz.
In conclusion, the IIHS crash test results unequivocally demonstrate the robust safety performance of the redesigned 2003 Benz E-Class, particularly models produced after December 2002. The vehicle earned top marks in critical safety evaluations, offering strong protection for occupants in frontal offset collisions. This data provides valuable insights for individuals considering a 2003 benz and prioritizing vehicle safety.
