Brand hub · IIHS data updated 2026-09-16
Mercedes-Benz Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current Mercedes-Benz model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used Mercedes-Benz models where the data exists.
The safest current Mercedes-Benz is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, scoring 93.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, #38 of 136 in our overall ranking. Mercedes-Benz has 4 current models in IIHS records, 4 with complete crash-test results; 0 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 2 earned a Top Safety Pick.
Mercedes-Benz safety weighted by sales
Mercedes-Benz’s sales-weighted current-model score is 93.3/100, covering 8.2% of its 162,361 reported U.S. sales in January–June 2026. Its TSP+ sales-mix proxy is 0.0%. Ranges reflect unpublished variant splits, not statistical confidence intervals.
Sales basis: compiled quarterly figures. GCBC model and brand tables (Q1 + Q2 2026); GCBC brand totals. Checked 2026-09-16.
See sales weights, matched models and exclusions
| Sales bucket | Units / share | Current score | TSP+ mapping | Matched records / limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE | 37,008 22.8% | Not available | Unresolved | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class SUV/coupe split is not reported separately here. |
| GLC | 34,895 21.5% | Not available | Unresolved | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV/coupe split is not reported separately here. |
| Sprinter | 17,884 11.0% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| GL | 13,583 8.4% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| C-Class | 13,392 8.2% | 93.3 | No current TSP+ | 2026 Mercedes-Benz C Class |
| CLE | 7,480 4.6% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| E-Class | 7,345 4.5% | Not available | Unresolved | 2026 Mercedes-Benz E Class Sedan/wagon split is not reported separately here. |
| GLA | 6,836 4.2% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| GLB | 6,663 4.1% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| G-Class | 6,137 3.8% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| CLA | 3,701 2.3% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| S-Class | 3,660 2.3% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| SL | 1,005 0.6% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| EQE SUV | 935 0.6% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| AMG GT | 728 0.4% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| EQS SUV | 329 0.2% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| EQB | 310 0.2% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| EQS-Sedan | 264 0.2% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| EQE Sedan | 109 0.1% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
| Metris | 97 0.1% | Not available | Unresolved | No matching current IIHS record in this snapshot. |
How sales weighting and variant ranges work
Current ratings, weighted by January–June 2026 U.S. sales. The mean is the sum of each current score × its model’s sales, divided by sales with complete, compatible scores. High-volume models therefore count more. This changes brand aggregation only; individual vehicle scores and ranks are unchanged.
A range shows the possible mix of separately rated variants when their sales split is unpublished. We count a combined sales total once. Unmatched models, unresolved body styles and incomplete scores are excluded from the mean and reduce its sales coverage. Do not compare a brand covering a small slice of sales with one covering nearly its whole lineup as though the evidence were equal.
The TSP+ sales-mix proxy divides sales mapped to current TSP+ records by all reported brand sales. A range reflects award differences within mapped variants. Unmatched sales add nothing to this proxy; they are not rated failures. Current model years, build dates and required equipment still apply: this is a sales-mix comparison of current designs, not the percentage of vehicles delivered in the first half that actually qualified for an award. It is not a death-risk estimate.
Every current Mercedes-Benz ranked by safety
Where two vehicles score the same, the injury measures behind that score break the tie; vehicles matching on both share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other Mercedes-Benz models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC | Midsize luxury SUVs | 14 of 23 | TSP | ~$49,550 | 93.6 |
| 2 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz C Class | Midsize luxury cars | 2 of 5 | TSP | ~$49,650 | 93.3 |
| 3 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class | Midsize luxury SUVs | 17 of 23 | No award | ~$62,250 | 91.1 |
| 4 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz E Class | Large cars | 4 of 4 | No award | ~$63,900 | 68.8 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
Real-world death rates for used Mercedes-Benz models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the July 2026 IIHS driver death rate study (2021–2024 crashes), compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | 95% confidence bounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2WD | 2020-23 | 0 | 17 | 0–25 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 4WD | 2020-23 | 0 | 28 | 0–29 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 4WD | 2020-23 | 8 | 10 | 0–19 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 4WD | 2020-23 | 13 | 17 | 0–25 |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older Mercedes-Benz model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz C Class
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE ClassAward applies only to vehicles with optional pedestrian front crash prevention
Questions people ask about Mercedes-Benz safety
Is Mercedes-Benz a safe brand?
Mercedes-Benz has 4 current models in IIHS records, 4 with complete crash-test records. 0 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 2 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Mercedes-Benz is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC at 93.6/100, #38 of 136 in our overall ranking. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest Mercedes-Benz?
The safest current Mercedes-Benz in our 2026 ranking is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC (midsize luxury suvs), scoring 93.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It ranks #14 of 23 in its class.
Which Mercedes-Benz models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
No current Mercedes-Benz model earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+, but 2 earned a Top Safety Pick: Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mercedes-Benz C Class.
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