While both recorded adult occupant protection scores of at least 90 per cent (90 per cent G-Class, 91 per cent GLE) the GLE managed the highest child occupant protection score recorded to date, with 92 per cent.

However, the latter also recorded a ‘Marginal’ result for the protection of the driver’s chest in the oblique pole test.

The GLE’s ‘Safety Assist’ score of 79 per cent was aided by the standard inclusion of autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring across the range.

Meanwhile, the rugged G-Class 4x4 impressed with its side impact protection for both adult and child occupants. The G-Class’ AEB system also managed a ‘Good’ rating.

Like the GLE, though, there was room for improvement in the area of chest protection up front, with “elevated injury readings” recorded for the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts.

“Mercedes has done the right thing by their customers in offering five-star safety for this category of vehicle,” said James Goodwin, ANCAP CEO.

By comparison, other specialised ladder-frame off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Suzuki Jimny weren’t as successful in safety testing (though both are much cheaper than the Mercedes), posting one-star and three-star scores respectively.

ANCAP’s five star rating applies to all versions of the GLE sold in Australia and New Zealand, while the G-Class’ score only applies to the AMG G63.