Mercedes-Benz recently staged a high-speed side-impact crash test in Stuttgart to demonstrate the safety of its new-generation CLA range. The test involved a hybrid CLA Shooting Brake colliding with an all-electric CLA sedan at 56 km/h.
This event marked the first public high-speed side-impact test between two moving production vehicles. Both cars weighed over two tonnes and did not brake before the impact. The collision simulated a severe T-bone accident at an intersection.
Engineers used eight crash-test dummies representing four adults and four children. Data from these dummies remained below biomechanical limits, suggesting a low risk of serious injury. The passenger compartments of both vehicles stayed intact. The electric CLA’s high-voltage battery remained undamaged, and the system automatically disconnected upon impact. The hybrid model also shut down its fuel system to prevent fire risks.
These results highlight how modern safety structures protect occupants in collisions involving different powertrains. The test confirms that the safety systems performed as designed under these specific, demanding conditions.
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