The 2009 Mercedes-benz E-class, a vehicle renowned for its luxury and performance, also places a strong emphasis on safety, particularly in side impact crashes. This analysis delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, providing a comprehensive overview of its safety performance in such events. The evaluation is based on tests conducted on a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door model, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags, as well as front seat-mounted and rear door-mounted torso airbags.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class underwent a significant re-engineering for the 2007 model year, with a key focus on enhancing occupant protection during side impact collisions. Initial tests on a 2007 model yielded an “Acceptable” rating. This was primarily attributed to high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso, indicating a need for improvement in this specific area of protection.
To further bolster safety, Mercedes-Benz implemented design changes to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007. A subsequent test was conducted on a vehicle incorporating these improvements to assess their effectiveness. While this later test demonstrated some reduction in the forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso, it was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall vehicle safety rating. Consequently, the “Acceptable” overall side impact rating applies to both the initial and improved design versions of the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Structure and safety cage | A |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | M |
| Pelvis/leg | A |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
View of the vehicle and barrier just after the second of two crash tests.
View of the vehicle after the second crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.
The detailed crash test analysis provides specific measurements of occupant compartment intrusion and injury measures for both driver and rear passenger. The tables below outline the technical measurements from these tests, offering a deeper insight into the performance of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in side impact scenarios.
Technical measurements for this test
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | CES0630 | CES0719 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -7.5 | -9.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 132 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 53 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 46 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 5.19 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 1.33 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 3.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Combined force (kN) | 5.5 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 147 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 52 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0630 |
| Head HIC-15 | 42 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Compression (kN) | 1.0 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.59 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.7 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 88 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -25 |
Greasepaint showing driver dummy’s head protection by side airbags in the first test.
Greasepaint showing rear passenger dummy’s head protection by the side airbags in the second test.
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrated a commendable “Acceptable” rating in side impact crash tests. While initial tests indicated moderate torso injury risk for the driver, design improvements were implemented during the production year. The detailed safety evaluation and technical measurements provide valuable information for consumers considering the safety aspects of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The “Good” ratings for structure and safety cage, driver and rear passenger head protection, and rear passenger torso and pelvis/leg injuries highlight the vehicle’s strengths in protecting occupants during side impact collisions.
