ANCAP crash test results

Mercedes E-Class (LHD) | 1999

Important note: The left-hand-drive European model was tested by EuroNCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page. In Australia the minimum engine size is 2.4 litre.

Overall evaluation:

The MERCEDES E-CLASS (E) performed reasonably well in the offset crash test (score 10.36 out of 16). The passenger compartment held its shape well except for footwell intrusion and brake pedal movement. There was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the passenger.

The vehicle scored 13.33 out of 16 in the side impact test. There was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

The vehicle scored a full 2 points in the optional pole test and this was sufficient to earn it 4 stars overall.

Safety features

The driver and front passenger are protected by front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side airbag curtains. Side airbags are also provided for the rear seat.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a severe crash. The centre rear seat has a 3-point seat belt.

Structure: Good

Offset crash test
The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash except that the road wheel pushed against the footwell. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 23cm. The driver's doorway shortened by 2cm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort.

Side impact crash test
The passenger compartment held its shape well in the side impact test.

Restraints: Good

Offset crash test

The airbags cushioned both the driver and passenger. Movement was well controlled. No modifiers applied to the knee impact score but EuroNCAP expressed concern about hard contact points that were just outside the assessment area.

Side impact crash test (no front passenger)
Despite the presence of a lower side airbag there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury and a slight risk of a serious abdomen injury in the side impact crash test.

The curtain-style upper side airbags protected the head of the driver in the side impact test. This gave the manufacturer the option of funding a separate pole impact crash test. This test earned the vehicle a further two points.

Head restraint position rating: Acceptable

Pedestrian rating:

17.30 points out of 36 (48.1%).
Child head impacts 9.45 points; adult head impacts 7.85 points; upper leg impacts zero points; lower leg impacts zero points.