The 2016 Mercedes-benz Gle, a rebrand of the M-Class, has become a popular luxury SUV for families and individuals alike. For those considering the safety aspects of this vehicle, understanding its crash test performance is crucial. This analysis delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE models, providing a clear picture of its safety strengths.
This rating specifically applies to the 2016-19 model years, which are significant as it marks the transition from the M-Class to the GLE-Class. The tests were conducted using a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec 4-door 4wd, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags. It’s important to note that the Mercedes-Benz M-Class underwent a redesign in 2012, and the 2016 models represent the renamed GLE-Class.
A key detail regarding safety options is the rear side torso airbags. While standard in the 2012-13 M-Class models, these became optional starting with the 2014 models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) side ratings are based on two tests performed by Mercedes-Benz. The first test involved a 2012 ML 550 V8, which included the standard rear side torso airbags. The second test was conducted on a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6 without the optional rear side torso airbags.
Interestingly, the combined ratings from these tests indicate that the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags had minimal impact on rear occupant protection. This is attributed to the vehicle’s design as a large SUV with a 115-inch wheelbase. In such vehicles, the intruding barrier in a side impact test hits relatively far from the rear seat, mitigating the need for rear side torso airbags. Crucially, all occupants still benefit from the standard side curtain airbags, which are designed to protect the head in side impacts.
The overall side impact evaluation for the Mercedes-Benz GLE (and M-Class models tested) is rated as Good (G), the highest rating possible. This “Good” rating extends across all evaluation criteria, demonstrating robust protection in a side collision.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver Head Protection | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | G |
This table clearly illustrates the “Good” rating across all measured aspects for both driver and rear passenger safety in a side impact. The consistent “Good” ratings provide reassurance regarding the structural integrity and occupant protection offered by the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE in side collision scenarios.
Further technical measurements from these tests provide a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance. The measurements below are presented for both Test ID VTS1115 and VTS1313, representing the two tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz.
Technical Measurements: Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Measurement | Test ID VTS1115 | Test ID VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate crush stopped short of seat centerline. |
These measurements show minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment on the driver’s side, indicating a strong safety cage that effectively resists deformation during a side impact.
Technical Measurements: Driver Injury Measures
| Measurement | Test ID VTS1115 | Test ID VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 64 | 52 |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 | -0.2 |
| Shoulder | ||
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 26 | 28 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.2 | 1.0 |
| Torso | ||
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 | 27 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 28 | 25 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.47 | 2.70 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.32 | 0.33 |
| Pelvis | ||
| Iliac Force (kN) | 1.2 | 0.7 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.7 | 1.4 |
| Combined Force (kN) | 2.9 | 2.1 |
| Left Femur | ||
| L-M Force (kN) | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 16 | 20 |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 125 | 139 |
These driver injury measurements are all within acceptable limits, further supporting the “Good” rating. Low HIC scores for the head and controlled forces on the neck, shoulder, torso, pelvis, and femur demonstrate effective protection for the driver in a side impact scenario.
Technical Measurements: Passenger Injury Measures
| Measurement | Test ID VTS1115 | Test ID VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 81 | 104 |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | ||
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 5 | 11 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Torso | ||
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 28 | 29 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 20 | 20 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.61 | 3.23 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.26 | 0.38 |
| Pelvis | ||
| Iliac Force (kN) | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Combined Force (kN) | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| Left Femur | ||
| L-M Force (kN) | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 31 | 15 |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 59 | 45 |
Similarly, the rear passenger injury measurements are also low and within safe ranges. These figures, coupled with the “Good” rating, confirm that the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE provides excellent side impact protection for rear occupants as well.
Conclusion
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE earns a “Good” rating in side impact crash tests, reflecting its robust structural design and effective safety features. Whether you are prioritizing driver or passenger safety, the GLE demonstrates a high level of protection in side collision scenarios. This analysis, based on official crash test data, provides valuable insights for anyone considering a 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE, highlighting its commitment to safety.
