Mercedes R class
2006 modelsSIDE IMPACT TEST WITH STANDARD AND ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS
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).
Two tests of the R class were conducted because in the first test, the airbag warning lamp remained illuminated prior to the test, indicating a possible airbag malfunction. Mercedes diagnostics indicated the fault was confined to the second row right torso airbag, opposite the rear dummy's seating position. Nevertheless, the second test was conducted to determine if the airbag fault warning influenced the results. The second test (without a fault warning) produced very similar injury measures, which confirm the validity of the first test. Therefore, all ratings are based on averaged results from both tests.
Injury measures:
Driver — Measures taken from the dummies in the two tests, taken together, indicate that rib fractures would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.
Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy in both tests indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Head protection:
Driver — In both tests, 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 — In both tests, 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.
Left to right:
- View of the vehicle and barrier just after the second of two crash tests.
- View of the vehicle after the second 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 (second crash test shown).
- Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side curtain airbag (first crash test shown).
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:
- 2008 Mercedes R 350 4wd
- Class: Large SUV
- Weight: 4,948 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: 76 in.
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- EPA ratings: 15 mpg city | 19 mpg highway
