2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
large luxury car / 4-door sedan
Moderate overlap front: original test
Rating applies to 2003-06 models built after December 2002
Tested vehicle: 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-door
The Mercedes E Class was redesigned for the 2003 model year. 2003 E Class models manufactured after December 2002 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. (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 an E Class with the structural changes in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | |
| Structure and safety cage | |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Chest | |
| Leg/foot, left | |
| Leg/foot, right | |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head moved partway out the open window and hit the B-pillar and window frame. | |
Action shot taken during the 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.
Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and window frame. Head acceleration from this hit was low.
Forces on the legs and feet were low, indicating that significant injury was unlikely.
Technical measurements for this test
Head restraints & seats
Seat type: Seats with auto-adjust head restraints
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | |
| Seat/head restraint geometry |
Technical measurements for this test
About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.