'03 E-Class crash tests
Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG (via Andrew Ling)
Says Andrew Ling: "The offset crash test results are one of the best that I've ever seen (equal to or perhaps slightly better than the current S-class)." So, let's compare it to the three highest rated cars, as tested by IIHS:
Photos IIHS
A competitor compares unfavorably.
The previous E doesn't do quite as well as the new E, for example note the deeper intrusion of the left front wheel. The previous E is rated "good" and "best-pick" and tested better than the BMW 5-series.
The new C looks excellent, the top-rated midsize luxury car. The
new E is slightly better..
More C-class crash tests
The new E shows nearly no damage up to the middle of the hood, excellent.
The side-impact crash test looks good. Note the deployed left window bag.
The new E uses three different levels of impact protection. Up to 4 km/h energy is absorbed by flexible bumpers, which return to their original position afterwards. The next level, up to 15 km/h, uses deformable steel crash boxes like the M-Class, to keep repair costs reasonable and also to prevent expensive damage to the chassis frame. The final level is the hardcore safety cage. Advanced super computer simulation facilitates the development and optimisation of new features like these.
The Occupant Protection System in the new E-Class
Seven generations of E-Classes:
180/190 Ponton, W110 fin-tail, W114/115 strich-acht, W123, W124, W210, W211
Seven generations of E-classes:
The Ponton world-premiered the crumple zone,
and the fin-tail the safety cage.
Three sleek Silberpfeile: the W124, W210 and W211 E-classes.
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