The 2008 Mercedes-benz R 350 underwent rigorous side impact crash testing to assess its safety performance. This article details the test procedures, results, and injury measures recorded for both driver and rear passenger. The tested model was a 4-door 4wd equipped with standard head curtain airbags for all three rows and standard front and second-row seat-mounted torso airbags. This specific rating applies to 2007-09 models manufactured before October 2008.
Side Impact Crash Test Overview for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350
Two separate crash tests were conducted on the 2008 R 350. The initial test experienced an airbag warning light indicating a potential malfunction in the second-row right torso airbag. Although this was opposite the rear dummy’s seating position, a second test was performed to eliminate any influence of the warning on the results. The second test, conducted without the fault warning, yielded nearly identical injury measurements, validating the first test’s findings. All ratings, except for structure, represent the average results from both tests. The structure rating incorporates data from both 2008 tests and a subsequent test of a 2009 model. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was initially introduced in 2006 and standardized side torso airbags for the second row in 2007 models, which were optional in the 2006 version.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350 immediately following the second side impact crash test.
2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350 Crash Test Ratings and Injury Measures
The overall evaluation of the 2008 R 350 in the side impact test resulted in an ‘A’ rating. The structure and safety cage also received an ‘A’ rating. Specific injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger are outlined in the table below:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | A |
| Structure and Safety Cage | A |
| Driver Injury Measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver Injury Measures – Torso | M |
| Driver Injury Measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver Head Protection | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Torso | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | G |
(G = Good, M = Moderate)
A view of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350 after the second crash test with doors removed, highlighting deployed side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.
Detailed Measurements and Technical Data
Technical measurements provide a deeper understanding of the crash test results. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion, along with specific driver and passenger injury measures, are documented in detail. These include metrics such as B-pillar intrusion, Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15), neck tension and compression, torso deflection, and forces on the pelvis and femur.
Greasepaint marks indicate areas where the driver’s head was protected by the side airbags in the second crash test of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy illustrates the head protection provided by the side curtain airbag in the first crash test of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350.
The complete data tables for compartment intrusion and injury measures can be referenced for a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 350’s performance in the side impact crash tests. These comprehensive tests demonstrate the safety features and structural integrity of the 2008 R 350 in a demanding side impact scenario. The dual testing approach further reinforces the reliability and accuracy of the results.
