The Mercedes-Benz E Class, specifically the 2007-2009 models, underwent significant re-engineering to enhance occupant protection during side impact collisions. Initially tested in 2007, the Mercedes E Class received an Acceptable rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This initial rating was primarily due to high forces recorded on the driver dummy’s torso during the side impact test.
Mercedes-Benz responded by implementing design changes to the front door trim panels in models manufactured after May 2007. These modifications aimed to further improve occupant safety in side-impact crashes. Subsequently, the IIHS conducted a second test on a Mercedes-Benz E Class incorporating these improvements. While this test demonstrated a reduction in forces on the driver dummy’s torso, it wasn’t substantial enough to elevate the torso injury rating or the overall safety rating. Therefore, the safety ratings for the 2007-09 Mercedes-Benz E Class models are based on the results of both tests.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class achieved an overall evaluation rating of Acceptable in side impact crash tests. Key evaluation criteria and ratings are detailed below:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Pelvis/leg | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
View of the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2009 and barrier immediately after the second side impact crash test.
The structural performance and safety cage of the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2009 were rated as Acceptable. In terms of driver injury measures, head and neck protection was rated Good, while torso protection was Marginal, and pelvis/leg protection was Acceptable. Crucially, driver head protection was rated Good, indicating effective protection from head injuries.
For rear passengers in the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2009, injury measures were generally positive, with Good ratings for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg protection. Rear passenger head protection was also rated Good, highlighting consistent safety performance for all occupants.
Post-crash view of the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2009 with doors removed, revealing side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment after the side impact test.
Technical measurements from the crash tests provide further insight. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side showed a B-pillar displacement ranging from -7.5 cm to -9.0 cm across the two tests (CES0630 and CES0719). Negative values indicate that the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline.
Driver injury measures from the tests are as follows: Head injury criterion (HIC-15) ranged from 132 to 158. Neck tension was consistently low at 0.9 kN, and compression was also low (0.3 kN and 0.1 kN). Torso maximum deflection ranged from 53 mm to 47 mm, and average deflection from 46 mm to 44 mm.
Greasepaint on the driver dummy head showing protection from hard structures by the side airbags during the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2009 side impact test (first test).
Rear passenger injury measures were also recorded. Head HIC-15 ranged from 42 to 48. Neck tension was minimal (0.2 kN and 0.1 kN), and compression was low (1.0 kN and 0.4 kN). Torso maximum deflection ranged from 31 mm to 30 mm, and average deflection was consistently 26 mm.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy head indicating effective protection by side airbags in the Mercedes-Benz E Class 2009 side impact test (second test).
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class demonstrates Acceptable side impact safety performance, with robust head protection for both front and rear occupants. While driver torso protection was rated Marginal, other critical injury measures and structural integrity contribute to a reasonable level of safety in side impact collisions for this vehicle model year.
