Mercedes C class
2008-09 modelsMODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
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| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Mercedes C class was redesigned for the 2008 model year. Two tests of the C class were conducted, one by the Institute and the other by Mercedes as part of frontal crash test verification. The overall rating of Good is based on review of both tests, which independently result in overall ratings of Good. The ratings and vehicle specifications based on the Institute’s test are shown below.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail, and in the Institute's test, also the sunvisor and grab handle.
Injury measures — In each test, measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and one leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces measured on the left knee in the Institute’s test indicate that injuries to the knee would be possible, but right leg/foot forces were low. (In the test conducted by Mercedes, left leg/foot forces were low, but forces on the right tibia indicate the possibility of lower leg injuries.) Head acceleration in each test from the roof rail hit was low.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the Institute's frontal offset crash test.
- The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well (Institute test car shown).
- Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail, as indicated by smeared greasepaint.
- Forces on the left knee were high enough to indicate the possibility of injury in the Institute's test (shown). In Mercedes' test, forces on the right lower leg were just above the threshold indicating the possibility of injuries.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Antilock brakes
- Programmable daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2008 Mercedes C 300 4-door
- Class: Midsize luxury/near luxury car
- Weight: 3,505 lbs.
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 109 in.
- Length: 182 in.
- Width: 70 in.
- Engine: 3.0 L V6
- EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 25 mpg highway
