Quite apart from this, the newly developed saloon model series underwent one of Mercedes own test programmes, which was no less stringent in the standards applied. This included collision testing at moderate speeds, a collision type which occurs particularly frequently out on the roads, and which accident research findings show to require specific protective measures. Ease of repair also played a prominent role here: the new E-Class has been designed in such a way that damage resulting from light to moderate collisions can be rectified at relatively low cost.
This integral concept means the new saloon is best prepared for the endless number of conceivable situations which may occur on the road and offers its occupants the best possible all-round protection.
Frontal structure: safety in three phases
Compared to the previous model, the crumple zones at the front of the new E-Class have been greatly enlarged. This allows forces to be conducted even more efficiently in the event of a collision, ensuring the passenger cell remains more or less intact, even following severe collisions. As with all new Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, impact protection is underpinned by a three-phase concept, which is deployed either fully or only partially depending on the severity of the collision, or in other words the impact speed.
The new E-Class is also ideally prepared for frontal collisions where the impact speed exceeds15 km/h thanks to an intricately designed load-bearing system, which differs from that used in the previous model in a number of fundamental points. New features include the sturdy sectioned panels above the wheel arches, which form a second side member level, and ensure effective load distribution, particularly in the case of an offset impact. These panels are braced by the A-pillars. A special feature of the lower side members in the structure at the front of the vehicle is the extra third shell on the inner face. These help to direct some of the impact forces towards the sturdy firewall cross member, which combines with the pedal floor members to ensure the energy is distributed over a large area, up to the transmission tunnel and the outer side members.