SAFETY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Electronic Stability Program to afford maximum security
ForbesAutos
will help less-experienced drivers through most conditions
USAToday
No rating
NHTSA
No rating
IIHS
Safety is a mark of pride at Mercedes-Benz; 2008’s G-Class has a long list of safety features that haven’t been put to the official test yet. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for crash protection.
Mercedes-Benz has historically taken accident safety seriously, and this year's Mercedes-Benz G-Class is no exception to the rule. The "vehicle's remarkable robustness, with thicker-than-average sheet metal and hand-built construction," as noted by Kelley Blue Book, should enable it to stand up to the worst.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has most of the standard safety equipment found in the better production vehicles today, including airbags and three-point belts with emergency tensioners. There are, however, some serious oversights. While both Cars.com and Edmunds report full side-curtain airbags, side door airbags have not been included.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class's powers of ESP are worth mentioning here. This is not "Extra-Sensory Perception," although based on digital feedback, the Electronic Stability Program does try to avoid accidents by helping with course corrections when the driver is making evasive maneuvers. J.D. Power reports this feature as standard on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. USAToday states the Electronic Traction System that helps to limit wheel slip on slick road surfaces is also standard. However, this source adds that it's "for extreme conditions only."
Car and Driver reports that because of the Mercedes-Benz 2008 G-Class's "high seating position, the view is unencumbered." Kelley Blue Book and other sources also note the rear park assist and rearview camera are standard and will help deal with blind spots.
Conclusion
Occupants riding in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV can be assured of better-than-average protection in case of a crash. Side airbags aren’t offered, though.
