Mercedes B-Class Awarded Five Stars In Euro NCAP Crash Test

October 20th, 2006 -- In crash test news, the Mercedes B-Class recently took part in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), passing the test with top honors when it received the maximum five star rating from the independent examiners.

This is just the latest of many studies that demonstrates the effectiveness of Mercedes' sandwich concept, a safety element utilized by the B-Class. By arranging the engine and transmission in a tilted positions partly in front and partly under the passenger compartments, Mercedes engineers discovered that in the event of a collision, these drive systems move down the pedal floor panel as opposed to directly into the interior. This in turn creates a larger crumple zone than other passenger vehicles in its class and also raises the B-Class' occupants interior driving height by approximately 200mm - above the impact zone - which just so happens to be a substantial advantage in the event of a side collision.

To learn more about the European NCAP test of the Mercedes B-Class as well as the B-Class' sandwich concept and safety features, visit www.eMercedesBenz.com for the full press release.