[jyl]

Granted, but Shaun's W210 did 60 mph into a pole, so probably good for him that his car wasn't designed to use up all its crumple for a 40 mph hit. If Daimler chose to design the structure for an impact more severe than the NCAP test, that's not a bad thing. And while reducing deceleration is important, avoiding compromise of the passenger compartment is paramount.

I agree that modern cars can be impressive in their occupant protection. A friend recently survived a head on in his 2015 Prius, when a Subaru crossed the centerline on a two lane road. I don't know speed but typical speeds on those roads are 40+. He suffered a badly broken left foot, a broken left collarbone, and facial lacerations (teeth cut lips). Subaru driver was injured and his passenger (wife) died.