In spite of scoring poorly during headlights tests, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class still earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
The premium spots saloon performed well in all five crash-worthiness evaluations, from the small overlap front to moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. Its standard front crash prevention system also went a long way in securing the advanced rating, while additional/optional safety systems can only boost the C-Class’ front crash prowess.
What stood out during tests was just how well the car’s structure held up during the small overlap test, as the maximum intrusion into the occupant compartment was limited to 4 inches (10 cm), which is a big improvement over the previous C-Class model which had intrusions of up to 20 inches (50 cm) at the footrest.
Other notable results include the strength-to-weight ratio of the roof where the C-Class scored a “7” – one of the highest ever registered, and a must for any car that hopes to provide occupants with excellent protection in the event of a rollover crash.
As for the poor headlights rating, it was awarded because of excessive low beam glare on the straightaway where visibility was “inadequate on both sides of the road” and “inadequate in all 4 tests”.
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