When Mercedes-Benz introduced the refit W211 E-Class in 2002, traditionalists were generally pleased with the improved construction quality over the previous gen. E-Class (W210 introduced in 1996). Benz's efforts paid off as in crash tests the refit model performed markedly better than the original oval-headlamped Benz.

In this video, one woman inadvertently decides to test her car's mettle by running it up against a parking gate post. Needless to say, the Benz won the fight.

Notice the very minimal damage done to the Mercedes. It didn't even lose a foglamp in the impact!