Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Crash Test and Safety Ratings
How well the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class performs in a crash test is critical to the Mercedes-Benz brand. The Mercedes-Benz is acclaimed for its high-in-safety vehicles. Apparently, things haven't changed.
This article applies to the Mercedes Benz C-Class C300/C400 w205 (2014-Present).
The re-designed Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an automotive wonder. Equipped with luxurious features like KEYLESS-GO, a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, and various driving modes that cater to environmental and road conditions, this car is not limited to just innovative technology or performance. More importantly, with adaptive braking technology as well as a 9-way airbag system, the w205 is a leader in high crash tests and safety ratings. Here's a look at the official ratings and reviews the new C-Class has received.
NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an organization under the federal government, which was created to reduce costs, crash-related injuries, and fatalities. Three areas are given a five-star safety rating during NHTSA crash tests: frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. The purpose of these tests and ratings are primarily for driver's as well as passenger's safety, but they also ensure public disclosure to potentially harmful vehicles with any defects they may have. Here is the C-Class w205 safety review:
Test Type |
C-Class C300/C400 |
---|---|
Front, Driver |
4 Stars |
Front, Overall Front |
4 Stars |
Front, Passenger |
4 Stars |
Overall Rollover Rating |
4 Stars |
Overall Overall |
5 Stars |
Overall Side |
5 Stars |
Barrier, Side |
5 Stars |
Side Barrier Rating Driver |
5 Stars |
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat |
5 Stars |
Pole, Side |
5 Stars |
Pole Barrier Combined, Side (Front) |
5 Stars |
Pole Barrier Combined, Side (Rear) |
5 Stars |
Crash test results provided by Cars.com
IIHS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit group that insurance companies fund. These are the companies that pay out during an accident, and calculate insurance costs based on vehicle ratings. Therefore, a higher-rated vehicle will most likely cost less to insure. The IIHS ranks vehicles using four descriptions: Poor, Marginal, Acceptable, and Good. Good is the highest possible rating.
Front |
Rating |
Chest | Good |
Head/Neck | Good |
Hip/Thigh | Good |
Lower Leg/Foot | Poor |
Overall Evaluation | Marginal |
Retraints and Dummy Kinematics | Good |
Structure and Safety Cage | Poor |
Head Restraints and Seats |
Rating |
Dynamic Rating | Good |
Overall Rear | Good |
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front |
Rating |
Chest | Good |
Head/Neck | Good |
Left Leg/Foot | Good |
Overall Front | Good |
Restraints | Good |
Right Leg/Foot | Good |
Structure/safety cage | Good |
Other |
Rating |
Roof Strength | Good |
Side |
Rating |
Driver Head Protection | Good |
Driver Head and Neck | Good |
Driver Pelvis/Leg | Good |
Driver Torso | Good |
Overall Side | Good |
Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good |
Rear Passenger Head and Neck | Good |
Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg | Good |
Rear Passenger Torso | Good |
Structure/safety cage | Good |
Crash test results provided by Cars.com
Safety Features
The C-Class w205 consists of standard Mercedes-Benz safety equipment and features, including ABS, traction control, dual front airbags, seat belts with load limiters, pretensioners, and a driver fatigue warning. New safety features include steering, active blind spot assist, and "pre-safe plus," which switches on the hazard lights upon anticipating rear-end collisions.
Common Questions
How Does the New C-Class Hold Up Against the Old C-Class?
The C-Class w205 performs well against the old C-Class w204 with both demonstrating strong front and side impact crash test results. However, the new C-Class boasts a more solid structure when it comes to side impact crashes.
What is the Difference Between a Recall and a Technical Service Bulletin?
Recalls address a safety or emissions issue, while Technical Service Bulletins address a range of problems, including mechanical and cosmetic issues. The biggest difference between the two is that a manufacturer is required to notify you in the event of a recall. However, the manufacturer is not required to notify you when a Technical Service Bulletin is released.
Are There Any Costs Associated with a Recall or Technical Service Bulletin?
If your vehicle is recalled, you will not have to pay any out-of-pocket repair costs. However, if your vehicle receives a Service Bulletin, you will need to pay the repair costs. The good news is a Service Bulletin can save you money by reducing the amount of time your mechanic spends diagnosing the repair.
Common Issues
Electrical System
While there have been no recalls for the new C-Class, the old C-Class has experienced a number of recalls and service bulletins related to the vehicle's electrical system. Particularly, the fuel pump.
Noisy Engine
Don't be tempted to ignore your regularly scheduled maintenance. You should have your engine oil checked at the 20,000-mile mark. Failure to do so could result in engine noises, reduced fuel economy, or the check engine light appearing in your dashboard.
Related Discussion, and Sites
- W205 Crash Test Discussion (with Video) - MBWorld.org
- Old vs New C-Class Models - YouWheel.com
- Euro NCAP Official Crash Test Reports - AutoPortal.com