The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E Class marked a significant step forward in vehicle safety, particularly in side impact protection. This model year underwent a re-engineering process with a strong emphasis on enhancing occupant safety during side collisions. Let’s delve into the safety performance of the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class, based on rigorous testing.
Initially, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a side impact test on an early 2007 Mercedes-Benz E Class model. This initial assessment resulted in an “Acceptable” rating. The primary concern at that time was the high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso, indicating a potential vulnerability in this area.
Mercedes Benz E Class 2007 side impact crash test – vehicle and barrier impact
Mercedes-Benz responded to these findings by implementing improvements to the front door trim panels. These modifications, introduced in models manufactured after May 2007, aimed to further bolster occupant protection in side impact scenarios. Subsequently, the IIHS conducted a second test on a Mercedes-Benz E Class incorporating these design enhancements.
2007 Benz E Class side impact damage and deployed side airbags after crash test
The results of the second test revealed a reduction in the forces exerted on the driver dummy’s torso. However, this improvement was not substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall side impact rating. Consequently, the safety ratings for the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class models are based on the combined results of both the initial and the improved design tests.
The overall side impact evaluation for the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class is rated as Acceptable (A). Breaking down the evaluation criteria:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Structure and safety cage | A |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | M |
| Pelvis/leg | A |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Key to occupant protection in side impacts for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E Class is the robust structure and safety cage, which earned an “Acceptable (A)” rating. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags, along with front seat-mounted and rear door-mounted torso airbags. These airbags played a crucial role in head protection, achieving a “Good (G)” rating for both driver and rear passenger head protection.
Driver-side head protection in 2007 Mercedes E Class side impact test – side airbag deployment
Rear passenger head protection in 2007 Benz E Class side impact test – rear side airbag effectiveness
In terms of driver injury measures, the head/neck and pelvis/leg areas received “Good (G)” and “Acceptable (A)” ratings respectively. However, the torso injury measure for the driver was rated “Marginal (M)”, highlighting the area that needed improvement and was the focus of the May 2007 design changes. For rear passengers, all injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) were rated “Good (G)”.
In conclusion, the 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class offers a commendable level of side impact protection, particularly with its head protection systems. While the driver torso protection was identified as an area for improvement in initial tests, the implemented changes demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to continuous safety enhancement in the E Class line. Prospective buyers considering a 2007 or later Mercedes-Benz E Class can be assured of a vehicle designed with occupant safety as a priority.
