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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.

By Charlie Gaston - April 27, 2015

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.

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