The 2016 Mercedes-benz Gle-class Gle 350 stands as a testament to luxury and safety in the SUV market. Building upon the legacy of the M-Class, the GLE-Class represents a significant evolution, offering enhanced features and refined engineering. Understanding the safety performance of a vehicle is paramount, and the 2016 GLE 350 has undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant protection. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, providing a comprehensive overview based on industry-standard evaluations.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class emerged as the new name for the M-Class starting with the 2016 models. To evaluate the side impact safety, tests were conducted on earlier models, specifically the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 550 V8 and the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6. These tests, performed by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by the Institute, provide valuable insights into the structural integrity and occupant protection capabilities of the vehicle, which are directly applicable to the 2016 GLE-Class due to the shared platform and design. It’s important to note that while rear side torso airbags became optional from 2014 models onwards (having been standard previously), the tests considered scenarios both with and without these airbags. Interestingly, the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags showed minimal difference in rear occupant protection during testing, as the standard side curtain airbags effectively mitigated risks in side impact scenarios, especially in a large SUV like the GLE-Class with its extended wheelbase.
The overall side impact evaluation for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (based on these combined tests) is rated as “Good” (G). This “Good” rating extends across various critical aspects of vehicle safety performance. The structural integrity and safety cage of the GLE-Class also received a “Good” rating, indicating a robust design that effectively withstands side impact forces, maintaining the occupant compartment space.
For driver injury measures, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 demonstrates excellent protection. All measured categories for the driver – head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg – received “Good” ratings. Furthermore, driver head protection was also rated as “Good”, highlighting the effectiveness of the safety systems in minimizing potential injuries in a side collision.
Similarly, rear passenger safety in the 2016 GLE 350 is also commendably high. Like the driver, all injury measures for the rear passenger – head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg – achieved “Good” ratings. Rear passenger head protection also received the top mark of “Good”, reinforcing the vehicle’s commitment to safeguarding all occupants.
Detailed technical measurements from these side impact tests are available, providing granular data on occupant compartment intrusion and specific injury measures. These measurements include intrusion levels at the B-pillar, head injury criterion (HIC), neck tension and compression forces, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, pelvis forces, and femur forces and moments. This comprehensive data underscores the thoroughness of the safety evaluations and the robust safety performance of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 in side impact scenarios.
In conclusion, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 earns a strong endorsement for its safety performance in side impact crashes. The “Good” ratings across all critical evaluation criteria for both driver and rear passenger highlight the vehicle’s robust structural design and effective safety systems. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 presents a compelling option, backed by thorough safety evaluations and a commitment to occupant protection.
