Found this on Autospies. NHTSA gives the E-Class 5/5 stars, but the stricter IIHS gives them a lower rating. I am confused.
Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.
Test details:
The Mercedes E class was re-engineered for the 2007 model year with an emphasis on improving occupant protection in side impact crashes.
Injury measures:
Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity. A fracture of the pelvis also would be possible.
Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Head protection:
Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
Rear passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the door.
Left to right:
* View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test. Larger photo
* View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment. Larger photo
* Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbags. Larger photo
* Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was protected by the side airbags. Larger photo
Additional features:
* Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags, front seat-mounted torso airbags, and rear door-mounted torso airbags
* Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover
* Automatically adjusting head restraints in front seats move up or down as seats are adjusted forward or rearward
* Electronic stability control
* Antilock brakes
* Programmable daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
* 2007 Mercedes E 350 4dr
* Class: Large luxury car
* Weight: 3,820 lbs.
* Side airbags: standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted and rear door-mounted torso airbags
* Wheelbase: 112 in.
* Length: 191 in.
* Width: 72 in.
* Engine: 3.5 L V6
* EPA ratings: 19 mpg city | 26 mpg highway
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=703