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2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

midsize luxury car / 4-door sedan

2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Small overlap front
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: updated test

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: pedestrian
Standard system
Optional system

Seat belts & child restraints

Seat belt reminders
LATCH ease of use

Other available safety features

  • Standard blind spot detection
  • Optional lane departure warning
  • Optional lane departure prevention

Key

  • Good
  • Acceptable
  • Marginal
  • Poor

Small overlap front

The small overlap front evaluation consists of a driver-side and a passenger-side component. If the results of the two evaluations differ, then the combined small overlap rating is equal to the lower rating.

Driver-side

  • Rating applies to 2022-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class 4-door

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Driver-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a C-Class conducted by Mercedes-Benz.

Overall driver-side evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTN2205
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 2
Footrest (cm) 6
Left toepan (cm) 3
Brake pedal (cm) 2
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column 1
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 1
Upper dash (cm) 1
Lower instrument panel (cm) 1

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTN2205
Head
HIC-15 235
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm) 15
Maximum Nij 0.28
Chest maximum compression (mm) 27
Femur (kN)
Left 0.5
Right 0.4
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 1
Right 1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.30
Right 0.47
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 1.9
Right 1.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 58
Right 61

Passenger-side

  • Rating applies to 2022-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class 4-door

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a C-Class conducted by Mercedes-Benz.

Overall passenger-side evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side

Test ID VTP2214
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 3
Footrest (cm) 8
Right toepan (cm) 4
Center toepan (cm) 2
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 1
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm) 0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 2
Upper dash (cm) 1
Right lower dash (cm) 2

Passenger injury measures

Test ID VTP2214
Head
HIC-15 121
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.7
Extension bending moment (Nm) 14
Maximum Nij 0.16
Chest maximum compression (mm) 22
Femur (kN)
Left 0.2
Right 0.5
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 1
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.31
Right 0.42
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 2.4
Right 3.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 65
Right 124

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTP2214
Head
HIC-15 95
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.3
Extension bending moment (Nm) 5
Maximum Nij 0.24
Chest maximum compression (mm) 27
Femur (kN)
Left 0.2
Right 0.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 1
Right 1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.26
Right 0.29
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 0.1
Right 1.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 23
Right 44

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2022-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4-door

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a C-Class conducted by Mercedes-Benz.

Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTF2205
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm) 1
Left (cm) 1
Center (cm) 2
Right (cm) 1
Brake pedal (cm) 2
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm) 0
Right (cm) 0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm) -3
Rearward (cm) -8
A-pillar rearward movement (cm) 0

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTF2205
Head
HIC-15 166
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.3
Extension bending moment (Nm) 14
Maximum Nij 0.27
Chest maximum compression (mm) 24
Legs
Femur force - left (kN) 1.2
Femur force - right (kN) 1.0
Knee displacement - left (mm) 1
Knee displacement - right (mm) 1
Maximum tibia index - left 0.48
Maximum tibia index - right 0.46
Tibia axial force - left (kN) 2.2
Tibia axial force - right (kN) 2.6
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 54
Right 59

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: updated test

Rating applies to 2022-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2023 Mercedes-Benz C Class 4-door

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Side 2.0 ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2023 C-Class conducted by Mercedes-Benz.

Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Rear passenger head protection
Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTS2310
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm) -20.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTS2310
Head
HIC-15 238
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.2
Compression (kN) -0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm) 37
Lateral force (kN) -1.3
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm) 36
Average deflection (mm) 32
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) 5.67
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) 0.67
Pelvis
Combined force (kN) 4.7

Passenger injury measures

Test ID VTS2310
Head
HIC-15 241
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.4
Compression (kN) -0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm) 22
Lateral force (kN) -1.0
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm) 19
Average deflection (mm) 16
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) 1.64
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) 0.12
Pelvis
Combined force (kN) 2.7

About the side crash test

Headlights

Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

  • Premium trim
  • Exclusive trim
Low-beam headlight typeLED projector
High-beam headlight typeLED reflector
Curve-adaptive?No
High-beam assist?Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination High-beam assist credit

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on the sharp left and both right curves and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves and fair on both left curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test
Trim level(s)
  • Premium trim
  • Exclusive trim
Low-beam headlight type LED projector
High-beam headlight type LED reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? Yes
Overall rating
Applies to 2022-24 models
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 93.8 m None
Straightaway left edge 55.1 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 75.5 m None
250m radius left curve, right edge 46.2 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 67.4 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 57.6 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 175.4 m
Straightaway left edge 162.9 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 80.9 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 74.5 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 68.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 60.1 m

Trim level(s)

  • Premium trim equipped with Digital Light package
  • Exclusive trim equipped with Digital Light package
  • Pinnacle trim
Low-beam headlight typeLED projector
High-beam headlight typeLED projector
Curve-adaptive?Yes
High-beam assist?Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination High-beam assist credit

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves and inadequate on both left curves.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good in all 4 tests.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test
Trim level(s)
  • Premium trim equipped with Digital Light package
  • Exclusive trim equipped with Digital Light package
  • Pinnacle trim
Low-beam headlight type LED projector
High-beam headlight type LED projector
Curve-adaptive? Yes
High-beam assist? Yes
Overall rating
Applies to 2022-24 models
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 96.2 m None
Straightaway left edge 38.4 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 70.1 m None
250m radius left curve, left edge 42.9 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 64.1 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 39.4 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 167.6 m
Straightaway left edge 149.2 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 96.4 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 105.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 70.2 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 77.8 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: pedestrian

Ratings are given for 2 different systems available on this vehicle.

Rating applies to all 2024 models

System details

  • standard Active Brake Assist
Overall evaluation
Includes high-beam assist credit

Crossing child — day

  • In the 12 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 6 mph.
  • In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 20 mph.

Crossing adult — night

  • In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.
  • In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, impact speed was reduced by 22 mph.

Parallel adult — night

  • In the 25 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle failed to slow.
  • In the 37 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow when using its high beams and a warning was issued 0.4 seconds before impact. When using its low beams, this vehicle failed to slow and a warning was issued 0 seconds before impact.

Rating applies to all 2024 models

System details

  • optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
  • equipped with Driver Assistance package
Overall evaluation
Includes high-beam assist credit

Crossing child — day

  • In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
  • In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Crossing adult — night

  • In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.
  • In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Parallel adult — night

  • In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.
  • In the 37 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams and a warning was issued 2 seconds before impact. When using its low beams, impact speed was reduced by 29 mph and a warning was issued 1 seconds before impact.

About the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Seat belt reminders

Rating applies to 2023-24 models

Overall evaluation
Front row
Unbelted occupant alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
DurationLong enough (90+ seconds)
Volume
Audio frequency
Second row
Startup status alert (visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 60 seconds
Belt disengaged alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 30 seconds
Volume
Audio frequency
Technical measurements for this test
Background cabin sound pressure level at 24 km/h 52 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 24 km/h 67 dB
Difference between background and signal 15.0 dB
Background cabin sound pressure level at 40 km/h 54 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 40 km/h 69 dB
Difference between background and signal 15.1 dB
Dominant audio frequency 664 Hz

About the seat belt reminder evaluation

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2022-24 models

Overall evaluation
Vehicle trimC 300
Seat type leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Overall evaluation
Vehicle trimC 300
Seat type leather
1 2 3
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol
Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol
Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

1
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
not too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors
2
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
not too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors
Technical measurements for this test

Seat position 21

3

Lower anchor A
Open access rated Yes
Depth Visible
Force (lbs) 0
Clearance angle (degrees) 89
Lower anchor B
Open access rated Yes
Depth Visible
Force (lbs) 0
Clearance angle (degrees) 88
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No
Tether anchors can be accessed
while seatback is properly positioned
for use of LATCH		 Not measured

Seat position 22

2

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No
Tether anchors can be accessed
while seatback is properly positioned
for use of LATCH		 Not measured

Seat position 23

1

Lower anchor A
Open access rated Yes
Depth Visible
Force (lbs) 0
Clearance angle (degrees) 92
Lower anchor B
Open access rated Yes
Depth Visible
Force (lbs) 0
Clearance angle (degrees) 90
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No
Tether anchors can be accessed
while seatback is properly positioned
for use of LATCH		 Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation