THE new Mercedes X-Class is safest pick-up ever put through the ever more demanding independent Euro NCAP test, the prestige workhorse big for business as a company car romping to the top of the safety charts.
The Mercedes-Benz pickup priced from £27,310 + VAT impressed in the categories of occupant safety, child safety, pedestrian protection and assistance systems.
It was recently highlighted as a key player in the way prestige pick-ups are widening the choice for company car drivers.
It is one of eight new cars to gain five-star safety ratings in Euro NCAP’s tougher new tests – and crucially all are on sale with standard-fit Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems.
Euro NCAP 5-star ratings
- Citroen DS 7 Crossback
- Jaguar E-Pace
- BMW X3
- Porsche Cayenne
- Mercedes-Benz X-Class
- Subaru XV
- Subaru Impreza
- Honda Civic
AEB systems use cameras and/or radar to detect if there is risk of collision with a vehicle in front, warn the driver and then if no action is taken apply the brakes automatically to avert collision or minimise the force of impact.
The X-Class owes its result above all to its especially sturdy body with high-strength passenger cell and a structure with front and rear ends capable of absorbing energy through selective deformation, as well as with an exceptionally large number of safety systems for the mid-size pickup segment.
The X-Class comes as standard with seven airbags and the i-Size attachment system for two child seats. The other safety highlights include a reversing camera, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.
Added to these are the trailer stability program, tyre pressure monitoring, emergency call system, cruise control and LED headlamps. In addition a 360-degree camera is optionally available.
Commenting on the latest results Matthew Avery, head of research at UK test specialists Thatcham Research, said: “This is a strong showing for the vehicle manufacturers who submitted cars for testing. It is encouraging that drivers of all eight cars will be supported by standard-fit AEB – a technology which is proven to reduce accidents.
“As two cars aimed at the family market, the Honda Civic and the Subaru Impreza’s suite of safety technologies are especially welcome.”
Going above and beyond AEB, both the Honda Civic and the Subaru Impreza come with standard-fit lane-keeping aids, which will gently steer a drifting vehicle away from lane markings. The Impreza also comes with AEB which detects pedestrians.
The Honda Civic was reassessed following a Euro NCAP four-star rating in its initial test, due to a curtain airbag deployment issue.