The safety performance of a vehicle is a critical factor for many car buyers. The Mercedes-benz Gle-class 2016, a luxury SUV, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant safety. This article delves into the side crash test results and safety ratings applicable to the 2016-2019 models, providing a comprehensive overview for potential owners and safety enthusiasts. It’s important to note that the GLE-Class is the rebranded version of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, with the name change occurring in 2016. The ratings discussed here are based on tests conducted on the earlier M-Class models, specifically the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec.
Side Impact Performance of the GLE-Class 2016
The side impact evaluations for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016 are derived from tests performed by Mercedes-Benz and assessed by safety organizations. These evaluations consider scenarios with and without optional rear side torso airbags. Interestingly, the presence or absence of rear side torso airbags had a minimal impact on the overall rear occupant protection in these tests. This is attributed to the vehicle’s design and size; being a large vehicle with a 115-inch wheelbase, the side impact point is relatively distant from the rear seating area. Crucially, all GLE-Class models come standard with side curtain airbags, which provide significant protection for occupants in side impact collisions, regardless of rear side torso airbag configuration.
Overall “Good” Safety Rating
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016 achieved an overall “Good” rating in side impact evaluations. This top rating signifies a high level of protection for occupants in the event of a side collision. The evaluation encompasses various aspects of crashworthiness, ensuring that both the vehicle structure and the restraint systems perform effectively to minimize injury risk.
Component-Specific Safety Ratings
Breaking down the overall evaluation, the GLE-Class 2016 demonstrates “Good” performance across all critical components assessed in the side impact test. These ratings underscore the vehicle’s robust safety engineering:
| 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 |
Rating Key: G = Good
This table illustrates that the GLE-Class 2016 provides “Good” protection for all critical body regions for both the driver and rear passenger in a side impact scenario.
Technical Insights from Crash Tests
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests offer further insight into the GLE-Class 2016’s safety performance. These measurements quantify occupant compartment intrusion and injury measures, providing a granular view of how the vehicle behaves during a side impact.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1115 | VTS1313 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.0 | -19.0 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1115 |
| Head HIC-15 | 64 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
These technical metrics, among others collected during testing, contribute to the comprehensive safety assessment of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016. They demonstrate the vehicle’s ability to maintain structural integrity and minimize forces transmitted to occupants during a significant side impact event. Detailed passenger injury measures and further intrusion metrics are also available for in-depth analysis.
Conclusion: A Safe Choice in the Luxury SUV Segment
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016 stands out as a safe vehicle in the luxury SUV category, achieving a “Good” rating in side impact testing. This rating, backed by detailed evaluations of structural performance and injury measures, provides assurance to buyers concerned about safety. The standard inclusion of side curtain airbags and the robust design contribute to the GLE-Class 2016’s ability to protect occupants effectively in side collision scenarios. For those prioritizing safety in their vehicle choice, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2016 presents a compelling option.
