Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Overall: 33.97 out of 37
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| Variant: ML320 CDI LHD |
| Kerb Weight: 2200 kg |
| Year: 2008 |
| Engine: 3 litre diesel |
| Category: Large 4WD |
| Airbags: front+side+head+knee |
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The diesel left-hand-drive European model was tested by Euro NCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.
 The tested model of M-Class was introduced in Australia during 2008. Knee airbags, as fitted to the tested vehicle, are standard for the 2009 Model Year (supplied in Australia from September 2008).
Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard. Intelligent seat belt reminders are fitted to both front seats. PRE-SAFE is standard but was disengaged for the crash tests.
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 the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point (lap) seat belt.
 5 stars. The M-Class scored 13.97 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape very well. There was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for both the driver and passenger.
The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and a further two points in the optional pole test.
Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4 pts, chest 2.99 pts, upper legs 4 pts, lower legs 2.98 pts.
The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 57 mm. The steering wheel hub moved 71mm forrward, 31mm downward and 4 mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 22 mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort.
The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. There were no knee hazards. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.
Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4 pts, chest 4 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts.
The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags and scored four points for the head in the side impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points.
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Offset Crash Test at 64km/h |
Side Impact Crash Test at 50km/h |
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Driver
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| Driver
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HIC |
355 |
290 |
3 |
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Acceleration |
44.4 |
43.7 |
6.9 |
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Shear |
0.75 |
0.38 |
None |
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Tension |
1.3 |
0.71 |
None |
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Extension |
4 |
5.7 |
None |
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Acceleration |
None |
None |
None |
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Compression |
29.05 |
23.07 |
7.9 |
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Viscous Criterion |
0.17 |
0.17 |
0.01 |
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Force |
None |
None |
0.15 |
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Force |
None |
None |
0.81 |
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Force Left |
1.81 |
0.91 |
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Force Right |
1.92 |
1.12 |
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Knee Displ. Left |
5 |
0 |
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Knee Displ. Right |
3.2 |
0 |
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Force Left |
2.18 |
2.38 |
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Force Right |
3.02 |
2.41 |
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Index Left (Up/Low) |
0.34/0.29 |
0.61/0.39 |
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Index Right (Up/Low) |
0.42/0.34 |
0.63/0.24 |
Pole Test: 2 pts Seat Belt Reminders: 2
| Head |
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No deduction |
| Chest |
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No deduction |
| Upper Leg |
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No deduction |
| Lower Leg |
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No deduction |
| Foot Score |
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4 pts |
| Head |
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None |
| Chest |
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No deduction |
| Upper Leg |
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None |
| Lower Leg |
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None |
| Foot Score |
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None |
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The bumper and bonnet leading edge offered only poor leg protection. The bonnet top was also rated as predominantly poor for the protection offered to a child's head.
Child head impacts 0.69
Adult head impacts 5.43
Upper leg impacts Zero
Lower leg impacts Zero
Total (out of 36) 6.12
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Version 1, Published on: 03-Oct-08
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