IIHS drops hammer on sedans—only 1 luxury midsize gets 2025 safety stamp of approval
For years, the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list read like a luxury car showroom. But in 2025? The red carpet is rolled up, the velvet rope’s gone, and a single midsize luxury sedan got past the bouncer. Say hello to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class—the last midsize luxury sedan left in the “Safety Pick Club” after IIHS’ tighter safety requirements slammed the safety door shut on the rest.
C-Class passes every IIHS sedan safety test in 2025
The C-Class might not top every enthusiast’s wishlist. It’s more composed than playful, and the ride can feel stiff. But it aced every IIHS sedan safety evaluation in 2025. That includes the brutal new rear-seat test and automatic braking with nighttime pedestrian detection.
The C-Class scored “Good” in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash tests. It also earned top safety marks for child seat anchors, seat belt reminders, and optional pedestrian crash prevention. As IIHS confirmed, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned its highest award: “Top Safety Pick+.”
Even the headlights held up. Basic trims earned a “Good” score, while fancier trims with adaptive units got an “Acceptable.”
The optional Active Brake Assist system with Cross-Traffic Function impressed in pedestrian tests. In IIHS’ words, “In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.” The C-Class was one of the few sedans to do so, day or night.
There are still quirks. Car and Driver dinged it for a “vague brake-pedal feel” and said the suspension “could use a bit more finesse.” But for buyers focused on IIHS sedan safety scores, the C-Class stands alone.
Why every other midsize luxury sedan flunked
Five midsize luxury sedans made the IIHS Top Safety Pick list in 2024. This year? Just one. According to IIHS, the same thing happened in every segment. “Only 48 models qualify for 2025 awards so far, compared with 71 last year at this time.”
The updated moderate overlap test was the dealbreaker. IIHS explained, “Vehicles must earn an acceptable rating in the updated test to qualify for Top Safety Pick.” Most didn’t. Even Volvo missed the cut—yes, the brand that invented the seatbelt.
IIHS called this year’s winners “true standouts” and noted the new tests emphasize back seat safety. Putting automatic emergency braking through a nighttime pedestrian detection test is another major addition. “There’s still progress to be made,” said President David Harkey, “but these results show that manufacturers are working hard.”
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class isn’t perfect—it’s pricier than some rivals and not as sporty as others. But it’s the only midsize luxury sedan to pass every IIHS safety test in 2025. That says more than any ad campaign. If safety matters to buyers, the competition’s got some catching up to do. See IIHS’ 2025 list of Top Safety Pick vehicles in the video below:
