For those in the market for a reliable and safe luxury SUV, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class from 2012 to 2015 stands out as a compelling option. Known for its blend of comfort, performance, and Mercedes-Benz engineering, understanding its safety ratings is crucial. This article focuses specifically on the Benz M Class 2015 model, providing a detailed overview of its safety performance based on rigorous testing. It’s important to note that starting with the 2016 models, the M-Class was rebranded as the GLE-Class, making the 2015 model year the last of its kind before this name change.
Side Impact Performance of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2012-2015)
The safety evaluation for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, applicable to models from 2012 through 2015, reveals a “Good” overall rating in side impact crash tests. This rating is a significant indicator of the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in the event of a side collision. The assessment was conducted using data from tests performed by Mercedes-Benz on both a 2012 ML 550 V8 and a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec diesel V6. Interestingly, the 2014 model tested lacked the optional rear side torso airbags, which were standard in the 2012-13 models.
Despite the variation in rear side torso airbag availability (standard in earlier models, optional later), the overall safety rating remained consistent. The evaluation combined the results from both tests, concluding that the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags had a minimal impact on rear occupant protection during side impacts. This is largely attributed to the standard side curtain airbags, which effectively protect rear occupants in side collision scenarios, especially in larger vehicles like the M-Class with a long wheelbase (115 inches). The design of larger vehicles means the impact point is often further from the rear seating area, reducing direct impact severity for rear passengers.
| 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 |
Key Measurements from the Side Impact Tests
To provide a more granular understanding of the benz m class 2015 safety performance, let’s delve into the technical measurements from the side impact tests. These measurements offer insights into structural integrity and potential injury levels.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
The tests measured the intrusion into the occupant compartment on the driver’s side. Negative values indicate the extent to which the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, highlighting effective space preservation within the cabin.
| Test ID | VTS1115 | VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver and Passenger Injury Measures
The tables below detail specific injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger. Lower values generally indicate better protection. Key metrics include Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15), neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection, pelvis forces, and femur forces and moments. These measurements are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety systems in minimizing potential injuries.
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 64 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.47 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.32 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.8 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 16 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 125 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 81 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 5 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.61 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.26 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 31 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 59 |
Conclusion: The Benz M Class 2015 as a Safe SUV Choice
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, particularly the 2015 model, demonstrates robust side impact protection, earning a “Good” overall rating. The detailed measurements from crash tests provide further evidence of the vehicle’s structural integrity and its effectiveness in minimizing injury risks for both driver and rear passengers. For individuals and families prioritizing safety in a luxury SUV, the benz m class 2015 remains a strong contender, offering peace of mind alongside the renowned Mercedes-Benz driving experience. While it’s succeeded by the GLE-Class, the 2012-2015 M-Class models, and especially the 2015 variant, uphold a high standard of safety within its vehicle class.
