Mercedes R class
2009-12 models built after September 2008SIDE IMPACT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Injury measures | Head protection | Structure/safety cage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Torso | Pelvis/leg | |||
| Driver |
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| Rear passenger |
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Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Mercedes R class was introduced in the 2006 model year. Beginning with 2007 models, side torso airbags were made standard for second row seat occupants (they were optional in 2006 models). The vehicle was restyled for the 2011 model year.
Two previous tests of a 2008 R class were conducted, and measures from the driver dummies in these tests, taken together, indicated that rib fractures would be possible. In response, Mercedes modified the front door trim panels and seat belts beginning with 2009 models manufactured after September 2008 (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). The tested vehicle was manufactured after the modifications had been made, and forces on the driver dummy's ribs were significantly reduced.
The 2009 and later models built after September 2008 are therefore rated separately, except that the structure rating is based on the two previous tests plus the latest test.
Injury measures:
Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Head protection:
Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
Rear passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
Left to right:
- View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.
- View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.
- Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbags.
- Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbags.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats and front and second row seat-mounted torso airbags (second row torso airbags standard beginning with 2007 models, optional in 2006 models)
- Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover
- Electronic stability control
- Antilock brakes
- Programmable daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2009 Mercedes R 350 4wd
- Class: Large SUV
- Weight: 5,132 lbs.
- Side airbags: standard head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats and standard front and 2nd row seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 127 in.
- Length: 203 in.
- Width: 77 in.
- Engine: Longitudinal 3.5-liter V6, 7-speed automatic, 4-wheel drive
- EPA ratings: 15 mpg city | 19 mpg highway
