Mercedes-Benz crashes two moving CLA models at 56 km/h to test occupant and EV battery safety

What happens when two Mercedes-Benz CLA models collide at a junction, with both travelling at 56 km/h? Mercedes-Benz has put that scenario to the test, crashing an electrified petrol-powered CLA Shooting Brake into the driver's side of an all-electric CLA.

The result? According to Mercedes-Benz, the passenger compartments of both cars remained intact, all eight crash-test dummies recorded measurements below the relevant injury thresholds, and the electric CLA's high-voltage battery escaped damage.

Two cars, both travelling at 56km/h

Many crash tests involve a vehicle hitting a stationary barrier. Mercedes-Benz took a different approach here, using two moving production cars to recreate a serious side-impact accident at a junction.

Both CLAs weighed more than two tonnes and were travelling at 56 km/h when they collided, with no braking beforehand.

Side impacts are particularly demanding because there is much less space for the car's structure to absorb the collision than there is at the front. In an electric car, engineers also have to consider the high-voltage battery, which is typically mounted beneath the cabin.

Eight crash-test dummies

Mercedes-Benz placed eight crash-test dummies in the two cars, representing four adults and four children.

After the collision, the passenger compartments of both vehicles remained intact. The company said measurements from all eight dummies stayed below the relevant biomechanical injury thresholds, suggesting that the occupant protection systems worked as intended under these test conditions.

The all-electric CLA's high-voltage battery also remained intact, with Mercedes-Benz reporting no damage despite the direct impact to the driver's side.

Of course, this was a crash test carried out by Mercedes-Benz itself, not an independent safety assessment such as Euro NCAP. Its findings apply to this particular collision scenario and should not be taken as a measure of how either car would perform in every accident.

Rescue Intelligence

Mercedes-Benz also used the demonstration to highlight its Rescue Intelligence system.

The system is designed to give emergency responders access to important accident information while they are travelling to the scene, allowing them to assess the situation and prepare for the rescue operation in advance.

Mercedes-Benz says the CLA's driver assistance systems are also designed to help avoid accidents of this kind or reduce the severity of a collision. As with any driver assistance technology, however, the driver remains responsible for staying alert and maintaining control of the vehicle.

The test provides an interesting look at how the latest CLA models handle a severe side impact, particularly when it comes to protecting occupants and the electric model's battery.

Still, buyers should look beyond a single manufacturer demonstration when assessing vehicle safety. Independent crash-test ratings, the safety equipment fitted to a particular model and performance across different crash scenarios all remain important considerations.

Source: Mercedes-Benz official press release

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