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Mercedes E class 4-door

1997-2000 models built after January 1997 and before February 2000

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Acceptable

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Mercedes E class was redesigned for the 1996 model year. All 1997-2000 E class models manufactured after January 1997 but before February 2000 include structural changes to improve protection in frontal crashes. Additional structural changes were made beginning with the 2000 E class models manufactured after January 2000, so the listed ratings do not apply to the latest models (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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of of a 1997 model E 420 with the first set of structural changes in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the window sill. There was too much upward movement of the steering wheel. Late in the crash, the driver door opened. This opening didn't significantly affect dummy movement during the test but shouldn't happen because, in some crashes, it could allow partial or complete occupant ejection.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Head acceleration from the window sill hit was low.

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
Despite some buckling of the roof rail, the dummy's survival space was maintained well. However, this good performance was marred by the opening of the driver door.
Energy-absorbing padding between the footwell and floor carpet is designed to reduce forces on drivers' legs in serious frontal crashes.
The driver door opened, which could allow occupant ejection in some crashes.

Additional features:

Side airbags: front seat-mounted torso airbags; front and rear head curtain airbags (beginning with 1999 models); rear seat-mounted torso airbags (2000 models)
Automatic adjusting head restraints designed to move up or down as the seat is adjusted forward or rearward
Electronic stability control (optional beginning with 1997 models and standard beginning with 2000 models)
Antilock brakes

Tested vehicle specifications:

1997 Mercedes E 420 4-door
Class: Large luxury car
Weight: 3,697 lbs.
Side airbags: front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase: 112 in.
Length: 189 in.
Width: 71 in.
Engine: 4.2 L V8
EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 25 mpg highway

See all test results for Mercedes E class 4-door

Last updated: December 16, 2010