The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Top Security Picks+ the highest honors from independent non-profit scientific organizations.
According to IIHS, the redesigned Mercedes C-Class has met all the requirements for the highest honor with two headlight variations and two available front collision prevention systems.
IIHS rates the C-Class standard static LED headlights well. However, the optional curve adaptive headlights, which are included with the Digital Light Package, are rated acceptable. To earn the highest honor, a Good or Acceptable rating must be available across the range.
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To get Top Security Choice award from IIHS this year, the agency said the vehicle should earn a Good rating in six crash eligibility evaluations. These crash tests included a small front side overlap of the driver’s side, a small front overlap of the passenger’s side, a moderate overlap of the front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. The car must also have a sophisticated forward collision prevention system or excel in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations during the day.
On that note, the standard C-Class Active Brake Assist front crash prevention system received a Superior rating in vehicle-to-vehicle evaluations and an advanced rating in daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. Meanwhile, Active Brake Assist with optional Traffic Function earned Superior ratings in both tests.
The Mercedes C-Class is the latest to be awarded the highest honor Top Security Picks+ this year’s award, following the Toyota Tundra in September and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in July. Earlier this year, IIHS announced the top-rated vehicles for 2022, with the Hyundai Motor Group dominating the list.
Starting in 2023, IIHS will introduce more stringent award criteria for its testing. Updated side impact evaluations will occur at higher speeds and with heavier obstructions. There will also be a new nighttime pedestrian accident prevention test.
