The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of three new SUVs to be awarded a maximum five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP – highlighting the reinvention of this iconic off-roader.
What’s even more impressive is that the G-Class – a left-hand-drive G 350d – was subjected to Euro NCAP’s more stringent protocols of 2019, making a five-star rating harder to achieve than last year.
The Mercedes scored 90 percent for adult occupant safety, 83 percent for child occupant safety, 78 percent for vulnerable road users, and 72 percent for safety assist technology.
Seat’s new seven-seat SUV, the Tarraco, delivered an even better performance, scoring a near-perfect 97 percent for adult occupant safety. For child safety, pedestrian safety and technology, the Tarraco scored 84 percent, 79 percent and 79 percent respectively.
What makes this all the more impressive is that the Tarraco shares its platform with the Kodiaq, with the Skoda receiving lower scores in every category when it was crash tested in 2017.
Finally, the new Honda CR-V is awarded a maximum five-star rating, scoring 93 percent for adult safety, 83 percent for child safety, 70 percent for vulnerable road users and 76 percent for safety assist technology.
The power of consumer testing
Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said, “Here we have three new vehicles, competing in the same segment and getting top safety ratings.
“That’s impressive enough, but the fact that all three off-roaders are equipped with pedestrian and cyclist AEB systems really demonstrates the power of consumer testing not only to encourage better performance but also to promote new technologies as standard-fit across Europe.”
Last year, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class was named the safest small family car by Euro NCAP, with the Lexus ES scooping the award in the large family car and hybrid/electric categories. The Hyundai Nexo was the safest large off-road car of 2018.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Fiat Panda received a zero rating while the Jeep Wrangler was awarded just a single star.