Mercedes-Benz GLC And GLE SUVs Given Top Safety Pick+ Award By IIHS
Giancarlo Perlas December 22, 2023The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just gave its Top Safety Pick+ award to two Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the 2024 model-year GLC and GLE. This comes amid the more stringent requirements of the American nonprofit organization.
IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ Criteria
Safety has always been the top priority of Mercedes-Benz. So, it comes as no surprise that it has consistently rated high in terms of this factor and has been the recipient of various awards related to it.
The IIHS tightened its criteria for scoring this year. As a result, it now imposes the rule that candidates for the award must get at least “Good” ratings in three types of frontal collision tests and side impact assessments.
Currently, the agency uses “Poor,” “Marginal,” “Acceptable,” and “Good” in its evaluation. Meanwhile, it utilizes the scale of “Basic,” “Advanced,” and “Superior” in assessing a car’s active safety technology.
The Top Safety Pick+ distinction raises the bar in this area because beneficiaries of the award should earn no lower than an “Advanced” rating both in daytime and nighttime pedestrian detection tests. Likewise, its standard headlamps have to be at least “Acceptable.”
The IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ in Mercedes-Benz SUVs
Mercedes’ ethos lies in its slogan “Luxury through peace of mind.”
“To deliver the best or nothing, safety must come first,” the company explains. “It’s why we devote so much time to a moment we hope never happens, and why every Mercedes-Benz is engineered to make an accident less severe, less damaging, and even less likely.”
With that, two Mercedes-Benz SUVs just got included in its prestigious 2024 Top Safety Pick+, namely the 2024 model year GLC and GLE. It should be noted that this only covers units made after March 2023.
Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV
The GLC is a fan favorite in the SUV offerings of the three-pointed star marque because of its balance of style, performance, luxury, safety, tech, and pricing. This is one of the best Mercedes SUVs you can have for your $50,000 budget if you’re in the US.
The new base-level GLC 300 is equipped with a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. The configuration lets the luxury SUV deliver up to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
All that power is directed to either a rear-wheel-drive or a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and distributed via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain allows the GLC to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds and speed up to 131 mph.
The headlamps adjustment of the updated GLC played a key role in the appraisal of the IIHS. Additionally, its standard Active Brake Assist and optional Active Distance Assist Distronic systems garnered “Advanced” and “Superior” remarks, respectively.
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV
The GLE offers a dynamic blend of sophistication and performance between the GLC and GLS SUV range. This can be had starting at $62,650 for the GLE 350 4MATIC trim.
Underneath its hood is a mild-hybrid power unit similar to the GLC but with an all-wheel-drive system as standard. Despite its heavier build, it’s still capable of going from zero to 60 mph in seven seconds.
IIHS included the GLE in its exclusive list due to its “Good” standard and optional lighting system. Furthermore, the SUV’s factory Active Brake Assist and Cross-Traffic Function add-on both gained “Superior” and “Advanced” remarks during daytime and nighttime tests, respectively.
