The 2019 Mercedes-benz C Class underwent rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received high marks in various categories. This comprehensive analysis delves into the specific crash test results, safety features, and ratings for the 2019 model year.
Crashworthiness and Safety Cage
The 2019 C Class boasts a robust structure and safety cage, earning a “Good” rating, the highest possible, in all crashworthiness tests. This includes:
- Small Overlap Front (Driver-Side and Passenger-Side): Both tests simulated a crash where the front corner of the vehicle impacts another vehicle or object. The C Class excelled in maintaining the driver and passenger compartment integrity, minimizing intrusion and potential injury risk.
- Moderate Overlap Front: This test evaluated the vehicle’s performance in a more common type of frontal collision. The C Class again received a “Good” rating, indicating excellent protection for occupants.
- Side Impact: Simulating a T-bone collision, the side impact test assessed the C Class’s ability to protect occupants from severe side intrusions. The strong body structure and side airbags contributed to the “Good” rating in this category.
- Roof Strength: The roof strength test measures the vehicle’s ability to withstand a rollover crash. The 2019 C Class exhibited exceptional roof strength, earning a “Good” rating and exceeding the required strength-to-weight ratio.
2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class during the small overlap frontal crash test.
Post-crash view of the driver’s space, showcasing minimal intrusion.
Injury Measures and Restraints
Beyond structural integrity, the 2019 C Class performed well in minimizing injury risks to occupants. Dummy measurements indicated low risk of significant head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot injuries in all crash tests. The effectiveness of the restraint systems, including airbags and seatbelts, contributed significantly to these positive results.
Dummy interaction with the airbag system during the small overlap test.
Driver’s footwell area exhibiting minimal intrusion and low risk of leg injuries.
Front Crash Prevention and Headlights
The 2019 C Class offered optional and standard advanced safety features:
- Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle): Both the optional and standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems received “Superior” ratings, demonstrating their effectiveness in avoiding or mitigating collisions in low-speed scenarios.
- Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian – Daytime): The optional system earned a “Superior” rating, while the standard system received a “Basic” rating, highlighting the performance difference between the two available options.
- Headlights: The IIHS evaluated three different headlight variations for the 2019 C Class. The LED reflector headlights with high-beam assist received a “Good” rating. The other two variations, LED reflectors without high-beam assist and LED projectors with curve-adaptive and high-beam assist, received “Acceptable” ratings.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The 2019 C Class received a “Good” rating for its child seat anchors (LATCH system). Ease of use, accessibility, and proper installation were key factors contributing to this high rating. The LATCH system in the C Class makes it easier for parents and caregivers to securely install compatible child safety seats.
Conclusion
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class demonstrably prioritized safety, achieving high ratings in crash tests and offering advanced safety features. While specific ratings varied based on optional equipment, the core structure and safety systems provided excellent protection for occupants in a variety of collision scenarios. This comprehensive safety performance makes the 2019 C Class a strong contender for safety-conscious buyers.
