Brand hub ยท IIHS data updated 2026-09-03
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.
See every Mercedes-Benz rankedThe safest current Mercedes-Benz is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, scoring 96.1/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, #12 of 131 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. Older Mercedes-Benz models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 22.6 per million registered vehicle years, grade B on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current Mercedes-Benz ranked by safety
Equal scores 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 | 6 of 22 | TSP | ~$49,550 | 96.1 |
| #1 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class | Midsize luxury SUVs | 6 of 22 | No award | ~$62,250 | 96.1 |
| #3 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz C Class | Midsize luxury cars | 1 of 4 | TSP | ~$49,650 | 94.7 |
| #4 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz E Class | Large cars | 4 of 4 | No award | ~$63,900 | 72.7 |
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 IIHS driver death rate study, 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 | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 4WD | 2017-20 | 0 | 18.5 | $24,000 to $42,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan 4WD | 2017-20 | 9 | 24.8 | $20,000 to $34,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA Class 4WD | 2017-20 | 20 | 43.0 | n/a |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 2WD | 2017-20 | 27 | 18.5 | n/a |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan 2WD | 2017-20 | 28 | 24.8 | n/a |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2WD | 2017-20 | 64 | 24.8 | n/a |
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.
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 96.1/100, #12 of 131 in our overall ranking. Older Mercedes-Benz models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 22.6 per million registered vehicle years, grade B; that is historical context and not part of the score. 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 96.1/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It ranks #6 of 22 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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