R-Class Mercedes-Benz R-Class earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

[HighestOfHigh]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Lincoln MKZ, and both have earned the agency's Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class did very well in the frontal offset and side impact tests with "Good" ratings in both tests (models manufactured after 9/2008 with the standard side airbags). The 2010 Lincoln MKZ also performed admirably, earning "Good" ratings in both tests as well (models manufactured after 1/2007). In rear crash tests done by the IIHS, the Mercedes and Lincoln each received "Good" ratings. While the IIHS smashed both of the vehicles offset into a barrier at 40 mph, and hit each with a 3,300-pound side impact barrier moving at 31 mph, the agency's new roof strength crash testing has not been conducted on either model. See the short press release after the jump.

Mercedes R class and Lincoln MKZ earn Top Safety Pick award

The Mercedes R class, a large SUV, and the Lincoln MKZ, a midsize luxury car, are the Institute's newest 2009 Top Safety Pick award winners. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the R class and the MKZ.

"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The Top Safety Pick designation applies to 2009 R class models built after September, 2008, and 2010 MKZ models.



- Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

 

[Merc1]

Some good news, too bad it isn't about sales.

M

 

[LaArtist]

It isnt totally rotten

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Where the face-lift?

 

[cawimmer430]

Put yourself in the shoes of the rich family father.

"Oh yeah! I'm buying an R-Class right now!"

 

[coolraoul]

Good news. It will keep the R-Class momentum going.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

The R-class isn't a bad car. I think one of the main problems is that it came out right around the same time as the GL. The GL was a far better looking automobile then the R-class.

Another issue was that "in-shape" as some of the other crossovers on the market (FX45). Lastly those headlights.....

Either way is still a Benz and the safety and luxury are outstanding. But it will need a replacement soon. Benz can't afford to produce a car that sales about 3 units a month (probably more) in this economy.

Maybe they should replace it with a CLS based SUV/ SAV...HMMM

 

[Tarek]

IMO the R-Class is ONLY choice for rich families.

 

[bmer]

IMO the R-Class is ONLY choice for rich families.

It's even perfect choice if you happen to be a rich owl who has a large family and want a van to match your look.

 

[coolraoul]

IMO the R-Class is ONLY choice for rich families.

Then I'm glad after all to have neither money, nor a large family...

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Aww..yall are hard on the R-class!

 

[Tarek]

It's even perfect choice if you happen to be a rich owl who has a large family and want a van to match your look.

Then I'm glad after all to have neither money, nor a large family...

Lol

 

[CarGuy]

Aww..yall are hard on the R-class!

Aahhhh, I dno man, this car really does look like a bastard child, a mistake. IMO this car should be banished from Europe and sent to exile in Siberia.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Aahhhh, I dno man, this car really does look like a bastard child, a mistake. IMO this car should be banished from Europe and sent to exile in Siberia.

Other then the headlights...I really don't see anything wrong with the car. Yes it does look on the heavy side (Mostly because it sits so low), but it's still a good car.

 

[Tarek]

Other then the headlights...I really don't see anything wrong with the car. Yes it does look on the heavy side (Mostly because it sits so low), but it's still a good car.

Yeah i agree,minus the headlights the car is by far the best family van out there,all other vans are uglier in fact.

 

[CarGuy]

Well before I would ever consider the R-Class I would much rather have an ML, G, GL or even the pleasant looking GLK. I dno to many choices offered by Mercedes for me to care so much about. BMW keeps their lineup very much simple, keeping the retarded and complicated naming such as Z4 SDrive35 or the X6 xDrive50i aside.

 

[Merc1]

Give BMW 2 more years of this GT nonsense in every size and their lineup will be even more confusing than Mercedes'.


M

 

[CarGuy]

Like Mercedes wasn't enough with releasing a car for every imaginative category now we have BMW butchering names left right and center.

 

[VroomVroom]

R-class is a good car, very nice side profile and rear.

And yes I would buy one if I had a big family.

But for everyone else with a big family, I can't actually believe I'm putting this against a Mercedes..

The Ford S-Max This is one Cool people carrier