Mercedes-Benz Proves CLA’s Safety By Crashing Hybrid Variant Into The Side Of Electric Model At 56 km/h

Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated the safety of its new CLA range by conducting a real-life crash test that the German luxury automaker described as the world’s first public high-speed side-impact crash test involving two moving production vehicles.

Unlike conventional crash tests that use stationary barriers or moving impact devices, the test recreated a severe, real-world intersection collision involving two production vehicles, each weighing more than two tonnes.

During the test, Mercedes-Benz deliberately crashed a hybrid-powered CLA Shooting Brake into the driver’s side of an all-electric CLA, with both vehicles travelling at 56 km/h (35 mph).

Citing accident research, Mercedes-Benz said the test speed represented the upper end of speeds associated with real-world intersection collisions, adding that it also exceeds the speed limit typically permitted in urban traffic.

Side impacts are particularly challenging because vehicles have less space along their sides to absorb crash energy than at the front, placing significant demands on the passenger compartment and occupant protection systems.

Describing the results, Mercedes-Benz said the eight crash-test dummies, representing four adults and four children, recorded measurements below the relevant biomechanical limits used to assess occupant protection, indicating a low risk of serious or life-threatening injuries. .

Despite the severe side impact, Mercedes-Benz said the high-voltage battery in the all-electric CLA remained intact and undamaged. The result highlighted the automaker’s efforts to protect both occupants and critical electrical components in its battery-powered vehicles. .

The demonstration forms part of the company’s Real-Life Safety approach, which has seen Mercedes-Benz analyzed a total of approximately 6,000 real-world accidents since 1969 – jointly by research teams in Germany, China, and India.

According to Mercedes-Benz, each new model goes through approximately 15,000 crash simulations during its development, and a total of around 150 crash tests for each new model, noting that these figures significantly exceed legal requirements.

“Our aim is for Mercedes-Benz to build the safest vehicles in the world. That’s why we develop safety systems for what actually happens on the road” said Jörg Burzer, the Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing at Mercedes-Benz.

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