Mercedes-Benz GLE and G-Wagen score five-star ANCAP safety ratings

Mercedes-Benz’ new-generation GLE large SUV and its stalwart G-Class off-roader have both been awarded maximum five-star ANCAP ratings.

The just-released second-generation GLE received the highest-ever Child Occupant Protection score of 92 per cent, and was lauded for its standard active safety suite, which includes auto emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist (LKAS), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) across the range.

As such, the rating applies to all variants currently on sale in Australia, the 300d, 450 and 400d.

The GLE now holds the all-time high score for the Child Occupant Protection category.

The brand’s iconic G-Class off-roader also received a maximum five-star result, which is genuinely impressive in a set of tests that are notoriously hard for boxy, off-road focused ladder-chassis-based SUVs to score highly in.

The G-Wagen scored full marks for its adult and child occupant protections, as well as auto emergency braking (AEB – works from 10 – 80km/h) which is standard on the top-spec AMG G63 4.0-litre V8.

As such the rating only applies to the G63. It does not cover the G-Professional series of variants.

Similar recently released off-road machines including the 2019 Suzuki Jimny and 2019 Jeep Wrangler have struggled in the ANCAP stakes. The Jimny received a three-star safety rating for “structural and design weaknesses, poor protection for pedestrians and cyclists, and lack of effective safety aids". The Wrangler received just one ANCAP star for “falling well shy of the expected standard in three of the four key areas of assessment".

The G-Wagen put impressive scores on the board for occupants and vulnerable road users considering its underpinnings.

Despite its boxy shape, the G 63 scored 78 per cent in the ‘vulnerable road user’ category, which includes pedestrian and cyclist impacts at 40km/h. It also has lane keep assist (LKAS), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) as part of its standard active safety kit.

Are you surprised that the G-Wagen was able to score five-stars where other off-roaders couldn’t? Share your thoughts in the comments below.