Mercedes-Benz B-Class achieves highest ever ANCAP safety score

The B-Class, which was crash tested by European affiliate Euro NCAP last year, earned a total score of 36.78 out of 37 when assessed according to ANCAP’s criteria in the latest round of testing, easily earning it the maximum five-star safety rating.

The result sees the new Mercedes B-Class overtake the Toyota Aurion, which held the record for just one month after scoring 36.59 points in a local crash test in April.

ANCAP chair Lauchlan McIntosh praised the B-Class for its long list of safety assist technologies (SATs), which includes a radar-based collision warning system and brake assist as standard, and lane keeping assist and blind spot assist as options.

The B-Class – which starts at $38,950 before on-road costs – also boasts nine airbags and can be ordered with adaptive cruise control and bi-xenon headlamps to further enhance its safety credentials.

Also awarded a five-star rating was the Mercedes-Benz Valente, an eight-seat van positioned between the Vito and Viano.

The Valente follows in the footsteps of the Viano, which was the first van to be awarded five stars by ANCAP.