The 2017 Mercedes-benz Glc marked a significant step in luxury SUVs, replacing the GLK model and bringing enhanced safety features to the forefront. For prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts in the English-speaking market, understanding the safety performance of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC is crucial. This article provides an in-depth look at the safety ratings awarded to the 2017 GLC by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), offering a detailed analysis of its crashworthiness and safety technologies.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a narrow object like a tree or pole. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent this rigorous test on the driver-side, and the results are compelling.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Acceptable |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a “Good” rating in the small overlap front driver-side test, the highest possible, indicating robust protection in this challenging scenario. The structure and safety cage held up well, maintaining the driver’s survival space. Injury measures for the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated “Good,” demonstrating effective occupant protection across various body regions.
However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The test revealed that while the dummy’s head made contact with the frontal airbag, it subsequently rolled to the left. This movement was attributed to the seat belt allowing excessive forward excursion of the head and torso, indicating a need for slight improvement in restraint system effectiveness. The side curtain airbag performed as intended, deploying with sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from side impacts.
Action shot during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Dummy position after the driver-side small overlap crash test of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC, showing maintained driver survival space.
Dummy head contact and roll in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC driver-side small overlap test, highlighting airbag performance and areas for improvement.
Assessment of leg and foot injury risk for the dummy in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC driver-side small overlap test, indicating low injury potential.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Footrest | 10 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Left Toepan | 7 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Brake Pedal | 3 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Steering Column | 0 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Upper Dash | 2 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Lower Instrument Panel | 2 cm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 224 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Tension | 1.2 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Extension Bending Moment | 10 Nm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.22 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Chest Maximum Compression | 23 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Femur – Left | 1.1 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Femur – Right | 1.0 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Left | 2 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Right | 3 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left | 0% |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right | 0% |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.64 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.41 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Left | 3.0 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Right | 1.8 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Left | 86 g |
| Driver Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Right | 61 g |
These technical measurements provide a deeper understanding of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC‘s performance in a small overlap front crash. Minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment and low injury measures reinforce the “Good” rating and highlight the vehicle’s structural integrity.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
Expanding on safety assessments, the passenger-side small overlap frontal test is equally important for overall vehicle safety evaluation. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC also underwent this test, and the results further solidify its safety credentials.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Chest | Good |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Passenger Injury Measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Hip/Thigh | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC once again earned a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap test. Notably, both passenger and driver injury measures received “Good” ratings across all categories. The passenger restraints and dummy kinematics also achieved a “Good” rating, indicating optimal performance of the safety systems in protecting occupants on the passenger side during a similar frontal collision.
Action shot from the IIHS passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Passenger survival space maintained in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC after the passenger-side small overlap test performed by IIHS.
Effective frontal and side curtain airbag deployment in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC passenger-side small overlap test, protecting occupant’s head.
Passenger leg and foot injury risk assessment from the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC passenger-side small overlap test, showing low risk overall with slight variation between tests.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | IIHS Test (CEP1712) | Mercedes-Benz Test (VTP1702) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 2 cm | 2 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Footrest | 16 cm | 8 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Right Toepan | 8 cm | 3 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Center Toepan | 4 cm | 3 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 0 cm | 0 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Center Dash | 1 cm | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 2 cm | 3 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Upper Dash | 4 cm | 3 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | Right Lower Dash | 4 cm | 4 cm |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 122 | 53 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact | No Contact |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Neck Tension | 0.7 kN | 0.9 kN |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Neck Extension Bending Moment | 17 Nm | 11 Nm |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.20 | 0.20 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Chest Maximum Compression | 18 mm | 19 mm |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Femur – Left | 0.1 kN | 0.0 kN |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Femur – Right | 1.2 kN | 0.0 kN |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Left | 1 mm | 1 mm |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Right | 0 mm | 1 mm |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left | 0% | 0% |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right | 0% | 0% |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.21 | 0.17 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.81 | 0.15 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Left | 1.1 kN | 0.2 kN |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Right | 4.7 kN | 0.5 kN |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Left | 68 g | 41 g |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Right | 109 g | 60 g |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 105 | 42 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact | No Contact |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Tension | 0.7 kN | 0.8 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Extension Bending Moment | 7 Nm | 4 Nm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.12 | 0.20 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Chest Maximum Compression | 21 mm | 18 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Femur – Left | 0.6 kN | 0.6 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Femur – Right | 0.9 kN | 1.1 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Left | 2 mm | 1 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Right | 3 mm | 3 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left | 0% | 0% |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right | 0% | 0% |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.18 | 0.27 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.49 | 0.26 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Left | 0.4 kN | 0.2 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Right | 0.7 kN | 1.5 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Left | 23 g | 25 g |
| Driver Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Right | 47 g | 53 g |
These detailed measurements, from both IIHS and Mercedes-Benz tests, confirm excellent passenger and driver protection in a passenger-side small overlap frontal crash for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front test represents a more traditional frontal crash scenario, impacting a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC performed admirably in this assessment.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Leg/Foot, Left | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Leg/Foot, Right | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
Achieving a “Good” rating across the board in the moderate overlap front test, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrates its robust safety design in a common frontal impact scenario. All driver injury measures and the vehicle’s structural integrity are rated “Good”, reinforcing the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Footwell | Footrest | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Footwell | Left | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Footwell | Center | 0 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Footwell | Right | 0 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Footwell | Brake Pedal | 1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | Left | 0 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | Right | -1 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Steering Column Movement | Upward | -2 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – Steering Column Movement | Rearward | -7 cm |
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) – A-pillar Rearward Movement | A-pillar Rearward Movement | 0 cm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 131 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Peak gs at hard contact (Head) | No Contact |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Tension | 1.1 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Extension Bending Moment | 13 Nm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Nij (Neck) | 0.21 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Chest Maximum Compression | 25 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Femur Force – Left | 0.8 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Femur Force – Right | 0.7 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Left | 1 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Knee Displacement – Right | 2 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.17 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.27 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Left | 1.9 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Tibia Axial Force – Right | 2.8 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Left | 45 g |
| Driver Injury Measures | Foot Acceleration – Right | 68 g |
These technical measurements further illustrate the minimal occupant compartment intrusion and low injury risk in a moderate overlap frontal crash for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Evaluation
Side impacts are a significant concern in vehicle safety, and the side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in such collisions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrated top-tier performance in the side impact test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Torso | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good |
| Driver Head Protection | Good |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Head/Neck | Good |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Torso | Good |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good |
Earning “Good” ratings across all categories for both driver and rear passenger injury measures and head protection, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC excels in side impact protection. This comprehensive “Good” rating underscores the vehicle’s design for safeguarding occupants in side collision scenarios.
Technical Measurements: Side Impact Crash Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation Criteria | Measurement (Driver Side) | Measurement (Passenger Side) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -24.0 cm | N/A |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 133 | 137 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Tension | 1.0 kN | 0.4 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Neck Compression | 0.3 kN | 0.6 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Shoulder Lateral Deflection | 25 mm | 38 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Shoulder Lateral Force | 1.0 kN | 1.1 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Torso Maximum Deflection | 32 mm | 36 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Torso Average Deflection | 29 mm | 16 mm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Torso Maximum Deflection Rate | 3.44 m/s | 3.39 m/s |
| Driver Injury Measures | Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion | 0.53 m/s | 0.43 m/s |
| Driver Injury Measures | Pelvis Iliac Force | 1.1 kN | 0.1 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Pelvis Acetabulum Force | 1.1 kN | 1.9 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Pelvis Combined Force | 2.2 kN | 1.9 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Left Femur L-M Force | 0.6 kN | 0.4 kN |
| Driver Injury Measures | Left Femur L-M Moment | 41 Nm | 46 Nm |
| Driver Injury Measures | Left Femur A-P Moment | 46 Nm | 50 Nm |
These measurements detail the effective structural performance and low injury measures in side impacts, confirming the high level of safety provided by the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC in side collision scenarios.
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is a critical safety aspect, especially in rollover accidents. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC again demonstrated excellent structural integrity in the roof strength test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Curb Weight | 4,026 lbs |
| Peak Force | 24,311 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 6.04 |
With a “Good” overall rating and a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.04, the roof of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC is significantly stronger than its weight, providing substantial protection in rollover situations.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing neck injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC‘s head restraints and seats received the highest possible rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Dynamic Rating | Good |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | Good |
The “Good” rating in both dynamic performance and geometry signifies that the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC‘s seat and head restraint design effectively minimizes the risk of whiplash and related injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement Category | Seat Type: Power Leather Seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry – Backset | 38 mm |
| Geometry – Distance below top of head | -14 mm |
| Seat Design Parameters – Pass/Fail | Pass |
| Seat Design Parameters – Max T1 acceleration | 16.1 g |
| Seat Design Parameters – Head contact time | 57 ms |
| Seat Design Parameters – Force rating | 1 |
| Neck Forces – Max neck shear force | 21 N |
| Neck Forces – Max neck tension | 464 N |
These technical details confirm the effective design of the seats and head restraints in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC to protect against neck injuries.
Headlights Performance
Visibility is paramount for safety, and headlight performance is a key factor. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers different headlight options, with varying performance levels.
LED Projector Headlights (Premium 3 Package)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall Rating | Good |
The LED projector headlights, especially when equipped with the Premium 3 package, earn a “Good” overall rating, offering excellent visibility and advanced features like curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist.
LED Projector/Reflector Headlights (Premium 1 & 2 Packages)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall Rating | Acceptable |
The LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, available with Premium 1 and 2 packages, achieve an “Acceptable” rating, providing good but slightly less optimal performance compared to the Premium 3 package option.
Halogen Reflector Headlights (Standard Trim)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall Rating | Marginal |
The standard halogen reflector headlights receive a “Marginal” rating, indicating a less effective lighting performance compared to the LED options.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Crash prevention technologies are increasingly important in modern vehicles. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers advanced front crash prevention systems.
Optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition (Premium 3 Package)
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
With the optional Pre-Safe Brake system, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieves a “Superior” rating in front crash prevention, successfully avoiding collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, and meeting forward collision warning requirements.
Standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Superior |
| Forward Collision Warning | Does not meet requirements |
| 12 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph Test | Collision Avoided |
Even with the standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC still earns a “Superior” rating for crash prevention, avoiding collisions at both test speeds, although the forward collision warning system does not fully meet requirements in its standard configuration.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child seat safety is paramount. The LATCH system in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC is evaluated for ease of use.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable |
The LATCH system in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC receives an “Acceptable” rating. While it has multiple rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and tether anchors, some aspects like maneuverability around anchors are noted as difficult.
Child Seat Anchor Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acceptable | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (not too deep, not too much force needed, difficult to maneuver around) |
| 2 | Not Rated | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), No Lower anchors |
| 3 | Acceptable | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (not too deep, not too much force needed, difficult to maneuver around) |
Conclusion: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Safety Performance
Overall, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a range of crash tests and safety evaluations. It consistently achieves “Good” ratings in key crashworthiness categories, showcasing robust occupant protection. While there is room for minor improvement in driver restraints in small overlap frontal crashes and LATCH system usability, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out as a safe and reliable luxury SUV for drivers and passengers alike. Its advanced safety features, combined with strong structural design, make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing safety in their vehicle selection.
