The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, but what about safety? For those considering a Benz E Class 2014, understanding its safety ratings is crucial. This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, with a specific focus on how this information applies to the 2014 Benz E Class.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted rigorous side impact testing on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, providing valuable insights into its crashworthiness. The rating applies to models manufactured from 2010 to 2016, specifically those built after April 2010, which incorporated design enhancements to the door trim for improved side impact protection. You can verify the manufacturing date of a specific Benz E Class 2014 on the certification label located on the driver’s side door or the adjacent B-pillar.
Decoding the Side Impact Crash Test Ratings
The IIHS side impact test evaluates vehicle performance in a simulated intersection collision. Several key criteria are assessed and rated on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class tested (2010 model, representing the 2010-2016 generation including the 2014 Benz E Class), the results are as follows:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver Head Protection | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | G |
Rating Definitions:
- G (Good): The highest rating, indicating excellent protection in a side impact crash.
As you can see, the Benz E Class 2014, falling within the tested model range, achieved a “Good” overall rating in the side impact test. This “Good” rating extends across all measured categories, for both driver and rear passenger. This means the structure of the Benz E Class 2014 effectively resisted intrusion, and the restraint systems effectively protected occupants from significant injuries in this type of crash.
View of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 and the deformable barrier immediately after the side impact collision test, illustrating the point of impact and vehicle deformation.
Examining Occupant Compartment Intrusion and Injury Data
Beyond the overall ratings, the IIHS test provides detailed technical measurements that offer a deeper understanding of the Benz E Class 2014’s performance.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -24.0 |
A negative value here indicates that the structural crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, demonstrating robust structural integrity and minimal intrusion into the occupant space of the Benz E Class 2014.
Driver Injury Measures:
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 177 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Max Deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Torso Avg Deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Max Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.85 |
| Torso Max Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 3.7 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 80 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | 36 |
Passenger Injury Measures:
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 82 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso Max Deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Avg Deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Torso Max Deflection Rate (m/s) | 2.79 |
| Torso Max Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.31 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) | 40 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) | -38 |
These measurements represent forces and deflections recorded on crash test dummies during the side impact. Lower values generally indicate better occupant protection. The data for the Benz E Class 2014 shows relatively low injury measures for both driver and rear passenger, further supporting the “Good” rating.
View inside the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350 following the side impact test, with doors removed to reveal the deployment of side airbags and the structural integrity of the passenger compartment.
Side Airbags: A Key Safety Feature
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, including the 2014 Benz E Class, is equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags. These airbags play a crucial role in occupant protection during side impact crashes.
Close-up of the driver-side crash test dummy’s head in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350, showing greasepaint markings indicating contact with the side airbag and effective head protection.
Greasepaint applied to the dummy’s head demonstrates clear contact with the side airbags, indicating that these safety features effectively cushioned the head and prevented it from hitting hard structures within the vehicle. This is a significant factor in achieving a “Good” rating for head protection in the side impact test for the Benz E Class 2014 and similar models.
Close-up view of the rear passenger crash test dummy’s head in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 350, with greasepaint residue highlighting the area of contact with the side airbag and confirming head protection for rear occupants.
Conclusion: The Benz E Class 2014 – A Safe Choice
Based on the IIHS side impact crash test results, the Benz E Class 2014 offers a high level of safety in side impact collisions. The “Good” rating across all categories, supported by detailed technical measurements and the effectiveness of side airbags, demonstrates the robust engineering and safety features of this vehicle. For those prioritizing safety in a luxury vehicle, the Benz E Class 2014 stands out as a strong contender.
