The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the 2010-2016 model range (specifically models built after April 2010), showcases robust safety features, particularly in side impact scenarios. This analysis is based on rigorous testing, providing insights for those considering a Benz E Class 2012 for its safety and reliability.
Evaluating Side Impact Protection in the 2012 E-Class
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a side impact test on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4-door, representative of the benz e class 2012 models built after April 2010. This test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a severe side collision. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012 earned the highest possible rating of “Good” for overall side impact protection. This rating reflects the vehicle’s structural integrity and the effectiveness of its safety systems in mitigating injury risk.
The evaluation criteria encompassed various aspects of occupant safety, and the benz e class 2012 consistently achieved “Good” ratings across the board. These ratings included:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012 was deemed “Good,” indicating a robust safety cage designed to withstand side impacts and maintain occupant space.
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures, including head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg protection, were rated “Good.” This demonstrates the effectiveness of the safety features in minimizing potential injuries to the driver.
- Driver Head Protection: The benz e class 2012 provided “Good” driver head protection, highlighting the role of side airbags in preventing head injuries.
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Similar to driver protection, rear passenger injury measures for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg were all rated “Good,” ensuring a high level of safety for rear occupants.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: “Good” rating for rear passenger head protection confirms that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012 is designed to protect all occupants in side impact collisions.
View of the vehicle and barrier just after the side impact crash test, illustrating the point of impact and initial vehicle deformation.
Key Technical Measurements and Occupant Safety
Technical measurements from the crash test provide a deeper understanding of the benz e class 2012‘s performance. Notably, the occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side was measured at -24.0 cm, a negative value indicating that the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline. This minimal intrusion underscores the structural strength of the vehicle.
Driver and passenger injury measures were also meticulously recorded. For instance, the driver’s Head HIC-15 (Head Injury Criterion) was 177, and the rear passenger’s Head HIC-15 was significantly lower at 82. Lower HIC values indicate better head protection. Similarly, measurements for neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, and pelvis and femur forces were all within acceptable ranges, contributing to the overall “Good” safety rating of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012.
Post-crash view of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with doors removed to reveal the deployed side airbags and the extent of damage to the occupant compartment.
Greasepaint applied to the dummy heads during the test further illustrated the effectiveness of the side airbags in preventing head contact with hard structures. Smeared greasepaint on both driver and rear passenger dummies confirmed that the side airbags provided crucial head protection in the benz e class 2012.
Greasepaint markings on the driver dummy’s head, showing the area of contact with the side airbag and indicating effective head protection during the side impact.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head, demonstrating the side airbag’s role in safeguarding rear occupant’s head in a side collision scenario in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012.
Conclusion: A Safe Choice in the Used Car Market
The side impact test results for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2012 demonstrate its strong safety performance. The “Good” ratings across all evaluation criteria, coupled with detailed technical measurements, affirm that this vehicle provides excellent occupant protection in side collisions. For individuals and families considering a used benz e class 2012, these safety ratings offer valuable reassurance and highlight its commitment to passenger safety.
