The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and the 2005 model year is no exception. For those considering a 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan, understanding its safety features and crash test performance is crucial. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, providing a comprehensive overview based on rigorous industry testing.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted frontal offset crash tests on the Mercedes E-Class, and while the test was performed on a 2003 model, it’s highly relevant to the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan. It’s important to note that the 2003 E-Class models manufactured after December 2002 incorporated structural enhancements specifically designed to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. These structural changes are also applicable to the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan, as it falls within the same generation (W211).
The IIHS evaluation subjected the Mercedes E-Class to a 40 mph frontal offset crash test against a deformable barrier. The results provide valuable insights into how well the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan protects its occupants in a significant frontal impact scenario.
| 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 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan achieved a “Good” overall rating in the frontal offset crash test, the highest rating awarded by IIHS. This “Good” rating extends to critical aspects of vehicle safety, including the structure and safety cage. A “Good” rating for structure signifies that the structural design of the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan effectively maintained its integrity during the crash, providing a robust protective shell for occupants.
Furthermore, the driver injury measures for the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan were also rated as “Good” across all categories: head/neck, chest, and legs/feet (both left and right). This indicates a low risk of significant injuries to these critical body regions in a frontal offset crash.
In terms of driver restraints and dummy kinematics, the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan received an “Acceptable” rating. While dummy movement was generally well-controlled, the test results noted that during rebound, the dummy’s head moved partially out of the open window, contacting the B-pillar and window frame. Despite this contact, head acceleration from this impact was measured as low, mitigating potential injury.
Technical measurements from the crash test further support the “Good” ratings. Occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side was minimal, with footwell intrusion ranging from 3 to 9 cm. Instrument panel and steering column movement were also limited, indicating effective energy absorption and structural integrity.
| 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, as recorded during the test, were well within acceptable limits. Head injury criterion (HIC-15) was 230, and chest maximum compression was 35 mm, both indicating low levels of impact forces. Femur forces and tibia index measurements for both legs were also low, suggesting a minimal risk of leg and foot injuries.
In conclusion, the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan demonstrates robust safety performance in frontal offset crashes, as evidenced by the IIHS “Good” overall rating and detailed analysis of structural integrity and driver injury measures. While the dummy kinematics indicated a minor issue with head contact during rebound, the low head acceleration and “Acceptable” rating for restraints suggest that the safety systems in the 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan are effective in protecting occupants in significant frontal impact scenarios. This data provides valuable information for anyone considering the safety aspects of a 2005 Mercedes Benz E Class Sedan.
