The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been recognized for its blend of luxury and performance in the compact SUV segment. But for discerning buyers, safety is paramount. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously tests vehicles to provide consumers with essential safety information. This article delves into the Mercedes Glc Iihs Safety Ratings, demonstrating why this vehicle stands out as a safety leader in its class.
Exceptional Performance in Small Overlap Frontal Tests
The IIHS small overlap front test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or utility pole. This is a particularly challenging test because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, model years 2023-2025, underwent both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front evaluations, achieving the highest rating of Good in both.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front
The driver-side evaluation reflects the protection offered to the driver in a small overlap frontal crash. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4-door 4wd, the model tested, showcased exemplary structural integrity.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall driver-side evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The “Good” rating across all categories indicates that the GLC’s structure effectively maintained its integrity, and the restraint systems worked well to protect the driver dummy from significant injuries. Technical measurements further illustrate the minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 1 |
| Footrest (cm) | 7 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 0 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 2 |
| Parking brake (cm) | 0 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 0 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 1 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 1 |
These measurements confirm minimal deformation in critical areas, contributing to the excellent protection. Injury measures were also minimal, with negligible risk of injury to the driver.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front
The passenger-side small overlap test is equally important, ensuring that front-seat passengers receive the same level of protection as the driver. The Mercedes-Benz GLC again earned a Good rating across the board.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall passenger-side evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Similar to the driver-side test, the passenger-side assessment demonstrated the GLC’s robust safety cage and effective restraint systems, resulting in “Good” ratings for structure, safety cage, and passenger injury measures.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 0 |
| Footrest (cm) | 7 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 5 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 0 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 |
| Center dash (cm) | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 0 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 2 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 2 |
The minimal intrusion measurements and low injury readings for the passenger dummy confirm the GLC’s consistent safety performance for all occupants.
Good Ratings in Moderate Overlap Frontal Tests
The moderate overlap frontal test, while less severe than the small overlap, is another crucial evaluation of frontal crash protection. The IIHS conducts both original and updated moderate overlap tests. The Mercedes-Benz GLC performed admirably in both.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test
For 2023-2024 models, the Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved a Good rating in the original moderate overlap front test.
| 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 |
This “Good” rating signifies that in a more common type of frontal collision, the GLC provides excellent protection for the driver. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury were all within acceptable limits, demonstrating effective energy absorption and occupant protection.
Moderate Overlap Front: Updated Test
The updated moderate overlap test includes a rear passenger dummy to assess rear seat safety, reflecting a growing focus on protecting all occupants. For 2024-2025 models, the Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained its Good overall rating in this more demanding test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Thigh/hip | G |
| Leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | A |
| Chest | G |
| Thigh | G |
| Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
While the driver safety remained “Good,” the rear passenger head/neck and restraints/dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The IIHS noted that the rear passenger dummy’s head came close to contacting the front seatback, indicating a potential area for improvement in future models.
View of the Mercedes-Benz GLC after the updated moderate overlap front crash test, highlighting airbag deployment and occupant compartment integrity.
Close-up view of the rear passenger dummy in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, showing proximity of the head to the front seatback during the updated moderate overlap test.
Analysis of rear passenger dummy injury metrics in the Mercedes-Benz GLC updated moderate overlap test, indicating chest protection and potential head/neck injury risk.
Lap belt positioning on the rear passenger dummy in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, demonstrating proper restraint system performance in the updated moderate overlap test.
Despite the “Acceptable” rating in some rear passenger categories, the overall “Good” rating in the updated test still underscores the GLC’s strong safety performance in moderate overlap frontal crashes.
“Good” Rating in Side Crash Protection
Side impacts are another significant source of injury in accidents. The IIHS updated side crash test (Side 2.0) is more demanding than the original, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed. The Mercedes-Benz GLC achieved the highest rating of Good in this updated side crash test for 2023-2025 models.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The “Good” rating across all driver and rear passenger injury measures demonstrates the GLC’s robust side structure and effective side airbags in protecting occupants during severe side impacts.
Headlight Performance: “Good” Ratings Across Trims
Visibility is crucial for accident avoidance, and headlight performance plays a vital role. The IIHS evaluates headlight effectiveness, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC earns a Good rating for both headlight variations available:
Pinnacle Trim Headlights
The Pinnacle trim features LED projector headlights with curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, achieving an overall Good rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G |
These headlights provide good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist further enhancing nighttime driving safety.
Premium and Exclusive Trim Headlights
The Premium and Exclusive trims are equipped with LED reflector headlights with high-beam assist, also achieving an overall Good rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G |
Despite some glare noted with these headlights, they still provide good overall visibility and contribute to the GLC’s strong safety profile.
Superior Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian
Accident prevention is as important as crash protection. The Mercedes-Benz GLC offers two front crash prevention systems with pedestrian detection, both evaluated by the IIHS.
Standard Active Brake Assist
The standard Active Brake Assist system earns an Advanced rating from the IIHS.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
This system demonstrated effective performance in avoiding collisions with pedestrians in various scenarios, both during the day and night, and at different speeds.
Optional Active Distance Assist Distronic
The optional Active Distance Assist Distronic, available with the Driver Assistance Package, achieves the highest rating of Superior for front crash prevention.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
This system demonstrated superior performance, completely avoiding collisions in all pedestrian test scenarios, including challenging nighttime conditions and higher speeds.
Additional Safety Features: Seat Belt Reminders and Child Seat Anchors
Beyond crash tests and prevention systems, other safety features contribute to overall vehicle safety. The Mercedes-Benz GLC excels in these areas as well.
Seat Belt Reminders
The GLC’s seat belt reminder system earns a Good rating, ensuring that both front and rear occupants are properly buckled up.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
Effective and timely seat belt reminders are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of other safety systems.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The GLC’s LATCH system for child seat installation also receives a Good+ rating for ease of use.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G+ |
With multiple rear seating positions equipped with complete LATCH hardware and easy-to-use anchors, the GLC simplifies secure child seat installation.
Conclusion: A Top Safety Pick in its Class
The Mercedes GLC IIHS safety ratings unequivocally demonstrate this compact SUV’s commitment to safety. Earning Good ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests, along with Superior front crash prevention (pedestrian) for the optional system and Good headlight ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out as a Top Safety Pick in its class. For families and individuals prioritizing safety, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers peace of mind and exceptional protection on the road.
