Euro NCAP Crash Test Results

Test results and safety ratings

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1997

Classic , 4 door saloon

Test Date: Aug 1997

Mercedes-Benz C-Class crash test picture Crash Star Rating Crash Rating 2 Stars
Front-impact score
Side-impact score
Seat belt reminder
Total score
5 (31.0%)
12 (67.0%)
-
16
Pedestrian Star Rating Pedestrian Rating 2 Stars
Pedestrian-test score Not Available

Compare with other cars in the Large Family Car category

In frontal impact the C-class suffered excessive intrusion into the footwell area, where stiff structures that came into contact with the driver's right knee presented serious injury risks to his knee, thigh and pelvis. The C-class was due to be revised in autumn 1997 . For now, the car tested was fitted with driver and passenger airbags, which are standard equipment throughout Europe. It also had door-mounted airbags for additional side-impact protection. However in the side-impact test, with the seat set correctly for an adult male of average height, the door struck the dummy's chest before the side airbag had fully inflated. If the seat were set further back for a taller driver it was not clear from the test results how much more or less effective the airbag might have been.

Driver head - Adequate
Driver neck - Good
Driver chest - Weak
Driver abdomen
Driver right femur - Poor Driver left femur - Good
Driver right lower leg - Poor Driver left lower leg - Weak
Driver right foot - Poor Driver left foot - Poor
Passenger head - Good
Passenger neck - Good
Passenger chest - Marginal
Passenger abdomen
Passenger right femur - Good Passenger left femur - Good
Passenger right lower leg - Adequate Passenger left lower leg - Good
Passenger right foot Passenger left foot
Side impact head - Good
Side impact chest - Weak
Side impact abdomen - Marginal
Side impact pelvis - Good
Green = Good Good
Yellow = Adequate Adequate
Orange = Marginal Marginal
Brown = Weak Weak
Red = Poor Poor

Structural modifications introduced Dec 97. Rating applies to cars built before 30 Nov 97.