The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a vehicle synonymous with luxury and performance, underwent a significant redesign for the 2003 model year. It’s crucial for those considering a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class to understand the safety enhancements implemented in models manufactured after December 2002. These structural improvements were specifically aimed at bolstering occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously tested an E-Class embodying these changes to evaluate its crashworthiness in a demanding 40 mph frontal offset crash test against a deformable barrier.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy’s head moved partway out the open window and hit the B-pillar and window frame. |
A |
The results of the IIHS test speak volumes about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class‘s safety architecture. The vehicle achieved an overall evaluation of “Good,” the highest rating possible. This top-tier score is underpinned by a “Good” rating for the structure and safety cage, indicating that the fundamental framework of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is engineered to withstand significant crash forces and maintain the integrity of the occupant compartment. This robust structure is paramount in protecting passengers during a collision.
Delving into driver injury measures, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class again demonstrated commendable performance, securing “Good” ratings across all categories: head/neck, chest, and legs/feet. These ratings signify a low risk of significant injuries to these critical body regions in a frontal offset crash for the driver of a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
However, the evaluation for driver restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The test noted that while dummy movement was generally well-controlled, during the rebound phase, the dummy’s head made contact with the B-pillar and window frame. Despite this contact, it’s important to note that head acceleration from this impact was measured as low, mitigating the potential for serious head injury in a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Technical measurements from the test provide further insight into the structural performance and injury metrics of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Left (cm) | 7 |
| Center (cm) | 9 |
| Right (cm) | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 5 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -2 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 1 |
These measurements quantify the extent of intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment. Lower numbers indicate better structural integrity. The minimal intrusion observed in key areas like instrument panel and steering column demonstrates the robust design of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in maintaining driver survival space.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 230 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 40 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 24 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 2.8 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 2.4 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.45 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.71 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 3.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 48 |
| Right | 60 |
The driver injury measures provide specific data points on potential injury risks. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and peak G-force on the head were within safe limits. Neck tension, bending moment, and Nij values were also low, indicating good neck protection. Chest compression was minimal, and femur forces and tibia index values for the legs were also low, further supporting the “Good” rating for leg and foot protection in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In conclusion, the IIHS frontal offset crash test results for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are overwhelmingly positive. The vehicle showcases a strong safety cage, excellent protection for critical body regions, and robust structural design, making it a safe choice for водители and passengers alike within its vehicle class and production timeframe. Remember to always verify the manufacturing date (post-December 2002) to ensure these enhanced safety features are present in your specific 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class model.
