The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 marked a significant point in automotive safety, especially after undergoing structural enhancements implemented post-January 2000. This article delves into the frontal crash test results for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000, providing a comprehensive analysis of its safety performance. We will explore how the E-Class 2000 fared in crash tests, focusing on occupant protection and structural integrity.
2000-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Performance (Post-January 2000 Models)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a moderate overlap frontal test on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 430 4-door model, representing the 2000-02 models built after January 2000. The results for this test are highly encouraging, showcasing the advancements in safety engineering for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 and subsequent models.
Top “Good” Rating Achieved
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 (models built after January 2000) achieved an overall “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test. This top rating signifies excellent occupant protection in this type of frontal crash. The evaluation spanned across various critical aspects of vehicle safety, and the E-Class consistently demonstrated robust performance.
| 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 | G |
Structural Integrity and Occupant Space
A key factor in the “Good” rating is the “Good” assessment for “Structure and safety cage”. This indicates that the structural design of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 effectively maintained its integrity during the crash. Minimal intrusion into the driver’s space was observed, ensuring the survival space for the occupant was well-preserved.
Action shot from the frontal offset crash test of the Mercedes Benz E-Class 2000, demonstrating vehicle deformation.
Technical measurements further corroborate the structural strength. Footwell intrusion was minimal across all measured points: Footrest (13 cm), Left (11 cm), Center (14 cm), Right (9 cm), and Brake pedal (8 cm). Instrument panel and steering column movement were also minimal, with rearward movements of only 2 cm (left) and 1 cm (right) for the instrument panel, and a rearward movement of -4 cm for the steering column.
Post-crash dummy position inside the Mercedes Benz E-Class 2000, showing maintained driver survival space.
Driver Injury Measures: All “Good”
The driver injury measures for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 test were also rated “Good” across all categories. This includes Head/neck, Chest, and Leg/foot (left and right), indicating a low risk of significant injuries to the driver in a similar real-world crash scenario.
Minimal intrusion in the driver’s side of the Mercedes Benz E-Class 2000 after crash test, indicating low leg and foot injury risk.
Measured injury values were well within acceptable limits. Head injury criteria (HIC-15) was 206, neck tension was 1.8 kN, chest compression was 28 mm, and femur forces were 6.1 kN (left) and 4.0 kN (right). Tibia index and axial forces were also low, along with foot acceleration.
Robust safety cage of the Mercedes Benz E-Class 2000 preventing tire intrusion and absorbing crash energy.
1997-2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Performance (Pre-February 2000 Models)
It’s important to note that earlier Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, specifically those manufactured between January 1997 and February 2000, had slightly different structural characteristics. A 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 420 4-door was tested to evaluate the crashworthiness of these earlier models.
“Acceptable” Overall Rating with Mixed Results
The 1997-2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (pre-February 2000 models) received an “Acceptable” overall evaluation. While the “Structure and safety cage” and driver injury measures for Head/neck, Chest, and Leg/foot were still rated “Good”, the “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics” were rated “Poor”.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| 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 | P |
Issues with Dummy Kinematics and Door Opening
The “Poor” rating for driver restraints and dummy kinematics was attributed to issues observed during the crash test. The dummy’s head hit the window sill during rebound, indicating inadequate control of dummy movement. There was also excessive upward movement of the steering wheel. Critically, the driver door opened during the crash, which is a significant safety concern as it could lead to occupant ejection in real-world accidents.
Frontal offset crash test of the older Mercedes Benz E-Class model, highlighting vehicle deformation.
Despite these issues, the structural integrity remained largely intact, with “Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side” showing moderate intrusion levels. However, these were generally higher compared to the later model. For instance, footwell intrusion measured 19 cm (Left) and 17 cm (Center), and steering column upward movement was 10 cm.
Dummy survival space in the older Mercedes Benz E-Class after crash test, marred by driver door opening.
Driver Injury Measures Still “Good” but Higher Values
Although the driver injury measures were still rated “Good”, the measured values were generally higher than in the later model. Head injury criteria (HIC-15) was 305, neck tension was 2.0 kN, and chest compression was 35 mm. These values, while still within the “Good” range, indicate a slightly higher risk of injury compared to the improved Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 models built after January 2000.
Energy-absorbing padding in the older Mercedes Benz E-Class designed to mitigate leg injuries.
Open driver door of the older Mercedes Benz E-Class after the crash test, a potential safety hazard.
Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 – A Step Forward in Safety
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 demonstrates a clear advancement in safety design compared to its earlier counterparts from the late 1990s. The structural improvements implemented in models manufactured after January 2000 resulted in a top “Good” rating, showcasing enhanced occupant protection and robust structural integrity. While earlier models still offered “Acceptable” overall safety with “Good” ratings in key injury measures, the later Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2000 represents a superior choice in terms of crash safety, particularly due to the improvements in driver restraints and the elimination of the door opening issue. For those considering a Benz E Class 2000, it is crucial to verify the manufacturing date to understand which safety rating applies.
