2010 Mercedes-Benz C Class - Safety Review and Crash Test Ratings

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While still a good crash-test performer, the 2010 C-Class is a notch below expectations for safety.

Both NHTSA and the IIHS have tested the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the results fall a bit shy of what TheCarConnection.com has come to expect from the brand. The federal agency gives it a four-star grade for frontal protection, but five-star ratings in side impact. The IIHS, conversely, calls the C-Class "good" for front-impact protection, but hasn't tested its side-impact strength.

All models come equipped with dual front, side, curtain, and pelvic airbags, and they offer a rearview camera and rear-seat side airbags. Edmunds says that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with "a full load of standard safety equipment, including front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags," and a convenient "brake drying" system that activates automatically when the windshield wipers start up. MotherProof reviewers devote significant space to listing the "safety highlights of the C-Class," which "include a standard electronic stability system, active head restraints," and "adaptive braking that can tell the difference between a regular stop and a panic stop."

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gives ample visibility to drivers and passengers alike. Car and Driver raves about the "outstanding forward sightlines," and ConsumerGuide attests "there's little problem seeing around the tall but narrow front headrests and slender rear roof pillars."