New IIHS Side-Impact Crash Tests: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rate Lower Than You'd Think

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) first began conducting its 31-mph side-impact crash test, which simulates a hit from a pickup or SUV, it was soon clear that this was a more demanding test than the government (NHTSA) side-impact test. Initially, the Subaru Forester and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute twins were the only small SUVs to earn the top "Good" rating in the IIHS test, and many manufacturers were forced to make major structural changes to their small sedans -- unlike in a head-on impact, there's little in the way of crush space when you get hit from the side.

Read Article

Will_ - 8/21/2007 12:00:20 PM

+2 Boost

ANOTHER thread on this article? Okay, we get it, the 5-Series is not perfect.

enthusiastx11 - 8/21/2007 12:49:06 PM

0 Boost

love the distorted choice of headline.
read the report.
the acura RL received a 'marginal' rate for rear impact.
the cadillac STS received marginal as well.
and lexus and infinit were conspicuously absent from the report.

r15mohd - 8/21/2007 12:52:09 PM

+2 Boost

conspicuously??? lmao...fanboys at their best!

merc07 - 8/21/2007 2:42:37 PM

0 Boost

if im not mistaken im almost positive that the new LS received marginal ratings on crash reports also. so i wouldn't get ahead of myself. with all the copying lexus did from the s-class as far as safety mabe you can explain why lexus's flagship isnt safe.