Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated the crash protection of its new CLA electric car by driving another CLA into its side, with both vehicles travelling at 56kph.
The public test simulated a severe junction collision, with an electrified petrol-powered CLA Shooting Brake striking the driver’s side of an all-electric CLA.
Both cars weighed more than two tonnes and neither braked before impact.
Mercedes-Benz said it was the world’s first public high-speed side-impact crash test involving two moving production vehicles in this configuration.
The results showed that both passenger compartments remained intact. Measurements from eight crash-test dummies, representing four adults and four children, stayed below the relevant biomechanical injury thresholds.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the readings indicated a low risk of serious or life-threatening injuries under the tested conditions.
Crucially, the electric CLA’s underfloor high-voltage battery remained intact and undamaged despite taking a direct side impact.
Side collisions are particularly challenging because there is considerably less space between the vehicle’s exterior and its occupants or battery to absorb crash forces.
Mercedes-Benz said its chosen speeds reflected the upper end of serious junction accidents documented through its accident research.
Unlike conventional crash tests, which generally involve stationary barriers or moving impact trolleys, the demonstration used two actual production vehicles.
The company also unveiled Mercedes-Benz Rescue Intelligence, a system designed to give emergency services access to accident information while travelling to the scene.
Planned for gradual introduction from 2027, it can provide details including occupant numbers, airbag deployment, seat belt status, battery temperature and the condition of the high-voltage electrical system.
The information could help rescue teams prepare their response before reaching a damaged vehicle.
