The 2007 model year marked a significant re-engineering effort for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a primary focus on enhancing occupant protection during side impact collisions. This commitment to safety was rigorously evaluated through crash testing, providing valuable insights for prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike.
Initial side impact testing conducted on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class by independent safety organizations yielded an “Acceptable” rating. This assessment was largely influenced by the elevated forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso area during the crash simulations. Recognizing the opportunity for improvement, Mercedes-Benz implemented design modifications to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007.
A subsequent crash test was performed to assess the effectiveness of these enhancements. While the updated design demonstrated a reduction in forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso, the improvement was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall safety rating beyond “Acceptable”. Consequently, the safety ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class encompass the results from both the initial and the improved design tests.
The evaluation criteria for the side impact test covered a range of critical aspects, each contributing to the overall safety assessment of the vehicle. These criteria and the corresponding ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are detailed below:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Pelvis/Leg | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver Head Protection | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good (G) |
View of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and barrier immediately following the second side impact crash test, illustrating the point of impact and vehicle deformation.
Interior view of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class after the second crash test, with doors removed to reveal the deployed side airbags and the extent of damage to the occupant compartment, highlighting structural integrity.
Greasepaint markings on the driver dummy’s head, indicating effective protection from hard structures by the side airbags during the first side impact test of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
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Greasepaint evidence on the rear passenger dummy’s head, demonstrating the successful deployment and protective function of the side airbags for rear occupants in the second crash test of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests provide a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance and occupant injury risk.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side (cm)
| Test ID | CES0630 | CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -7.5 | -9.0 |
Negative values indicate the extent to which the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, reflecting the robustness of the occupant compartment.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Test ID | CES0630 | CES0719 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 132 | 158 | |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 | 0.9 | |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 | 0.1 | |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 42 | 51 | |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.7 | 1.6 | |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 53 | 47 | |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 46 | 44 | |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 5.19 | 4.15 | |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 1.33 | 0.91 | |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 3.1 | 4.0 | |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.5 | 1.8 | |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 5.5 | 5.6 | |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.5 | 0.2 | |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 147 | 158 | |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 52 | 69 |
Rear Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation Criteria | Test ID | CES0630 | CES0719 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 42 | 48 | |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 | 0.1 | |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 1.0 | 0.4 | |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 15 | 15 | |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 0.9 | 1.0 | |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 | 30 | |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 26 | 26 | |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.59 | 3.41 | |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.32 | 0.31 | |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.5 | 0.5 | |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.5 | 2.4 | |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.8 | 2.8 | |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.7 | 0.8 | |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 88 | 67 | |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | -25 | -28 |
In conclusion, while the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrated robust protection in many aspects of side impact safety, particularly for head and neck injuries for both driver and rear passengers, the “Acceptable” overall rating reflects the marginal torso protection observed in crash testing. This information serves as a valuable resource for individuals considering the safety performance of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
