The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, specifically models manufactured after December 2012, underwent rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the challenging small overlap frontal crash test. This evaluation provides crucial insights for prospective buyers and owners concerned about vehicle safety. This report delves into the findings of these tests, highlighting key safety aspects of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was redesigned in 2008. Significant safety enhancements were introduced over the years, including a driver’s knee airbag in 2010 to bolster frontal crash protection. For 2013 models built after December 2012, a critical update was made to the side curtain airbags. These airbags were reprogrammed to deploy in small overlap frontal crashes, aiming to further improve occupant safety in these particularly demanding scenarios. To assess the effectiveness of this update, the IIHS conducted two small overlap tests: one on a 2012 model and another on a 2013 model manufactured post-airbag reprogramming. The results we discuss here are based on the latter test, representing the safety performance of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models built after December 2012. While the structural rating considers both tests due to structural similarity, the focus is on the improved airbag deployment.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap frontal crash test | Poor |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/thigh | Good |
| Lower leg/foot | Poor |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
Action shot from the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class small overlap frontal crash test, highlighting vehicle deformation and safety system deployment.
The IIHS ratings reveal a mixed safety performance for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the small overlap frontal crash. The “Structure and safety cage” received a “Poor” rating, indicating significant structural challenges in this type of crash. However, in terms of “Driver injury measures,” the C-Class showed “Good” protection for the head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh areas. Conversely, the lower leg/foot protection was rated as “Poor,” raising concerns about potential injuries to these areas in a real-world small overlap crash. “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics” were rated “Good,” suggesting that the seatbelts and overall movement of the dummy during the crash were well-controlled.
Post-crash dummy position in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class test, showing footwell intrusion and relation to vehicle structure.
Analysis of the dummy’s position after the crash test, combined with footwell intrusion measurements, indicated that the driver’s survival space was not optimally maintained. This observation is crucial in understanding the “Poor” rating for structure and the elevated risk of lower leg injuries. Extensive intrusion into the driver footwell was observed in both tests conducted, contributing to a high risk of injury to the left lower leg and at least a significant risk to the right lower leg. Notably, in both tests, the dummy’s right foot became trapped by intruding structure and the brake pedal as the left front wheel was forced rearward and inward upon impact.
Side curtain and frontal airbag deployment in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class crash test, demonstrating head protection.
Despite the structural deficiencies, the frontal and side curtain airbags performed effectively in the second test, working in concert to protect the head from contacting жесткие structures or external objects that could cause injury. This successful airbag deployment is a testament to the 2013 update and its positive impact on occupant head protection in small overlap crashes for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Footwell damage in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class small overlap test, highlighting lower leg injury risk factors.
Technical measurements from the tests further quantify the occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury measures. The footrest intrusion reached 50 cm in one test, and the left toepan intrusion measured 29 cm, emphasizing the extent of deformation in the lower occupant compartment. Driver injury measures, such as the maximum tibia index for the left leg at 2.14, and foot acceleration, corroborate the “Poor” lower leg/foot injury rating.
In conclusion, the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reveals a mixed safety profile. While the updated side curtain airbags provide improved head protection, structural weaknesses in small overlap crashes lead to significant footwell intrusion and a “Poor” rating for lower leg/foot injury risk. Prospective buyers should consider these findings when evaluating the overall safety of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
