Safety is one of the main considerations when it comes to family vehicles. The recently launched Mercedes-Benz V-Class has made a name for itself as a luxurious option and one of the safest vans in its category.
Tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014, the V-Class received a maximum score of 5 stars, affirming its commitment to passenger safety. We admit that it's a while back already, but we delve into the details anyway.
Related: How much are car repayments on a new Mercedes-Benz V-Class?
Euro NCAP testing overview (2014)
The Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) conducts rigorous safety tests on new vehicles, assessing their performance in various crash scenarios. The V-Class was evaluated for adult occupant protection, child occupant safety, pedestrian safety, and the effectiveness of its safety assist systems. Here’s how it performed:
- Adult Occupant Protection: The V-Class scored an impressive 93% in this category. The vehicle's structure remained stable during frontal and side impact tests, providing excellent protection for all body areas. In particular, it achieved maximum points in the side barrier test, showcasing its robustness.
- Child Occupant Safety: The V-Class scored 87% for child occupant protection. During side impact tests, it effectively contained 1½-year-old and 3-year-old dummies, minimising head contact with the vehicle’s interior. Additionally, the passenger airbag automatically disengages when a rearward-facing child seat is placed in the front, enhancing safety for younger passengers.
- Pedestrian Safety: While pedestrian protection scored lower at 67%, it still performed well for a vehicle of its type. The bumper protected pedestrians' legs, although the windscreen pillars received poorer ratings due to their stiffness.
- Safety Assist Features: The V-Class excelled in this area with an 85% score, thanks to a suite of advanced electronic safety systems. These included features like PRE-SAFE, which prepares the vehicle for an imminent collision by tightening seatbelts and adjusting headrests; Attention Assist, which alerts drivers to drowsiness; and Collision Prevention Assist, which helps avoid or mitigate accidents.
Key safety features in the new (2024) V-Class
The latest Mercedes-Benz V-Class is packed with way more safety features than it had ten years ago to enhance its overall security on the road, and they're all fitted as standard. Equipment includes:
- Active Distance Assist Distronic
- Active Lane-Keeping Assist
- Active Brake Assist
- Blind Spot Assist with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
- Traffic Sign Assist
Learn more about what each feature entails in this article: Top 5 Safety Features on a Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is one of the safest options in the luxury van segment.
Watch this space for the 2024 V-Class crash test results.
Buying used? Read: Mercedes-Benz V-Class vs Toyota Quantum vs VW Caravelle (2023)
