by Updated Euro NCAP tests: First results
The Euro NCAP organization has carried out the most extensive update of its rating system in the last ten years. The first cars to go through the new, stricter tests were the BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT. Both electric vehicles received the highest five-star safety rating, but the Chinese Zeekr managed to outperform its German competitor in total points.
Safe driving stage: Who showed the best result?
The new test procedure consists of four stages: safe driving, collision avoidance, collision protection, and post-crash safety. In the first stage, the BMW iX3 received 73% and high scores for a large number of physical buttons, the driver monitoring system, and traffic sign recognition.
During real-world tests over a distance of 2000 km (1242 miles) in Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, the BMW’s speed limiter function correctly responded to sign changes in 86% of cases, which corresponds to 97% of the distance traveled. At the same time, Euro NCAP experts noted that the iX3 driver monitoring system is less sensitive to short-term distractions and cannot detect an incorrect front passenger position or improper seat belt use.
The Zeekr 7GT showed a better result — 79% in this category. This was achieved thanks to a more advanced driver monitoring system and sensors that detect the use of only the lap belt. In addition, the Zeekr is equipped with a manual switch for the front passenger airbag for rear-facing child seats and a child presence detection system that warns passersby if a child is left in the cabin. However, speed sign recognition turned out to be weaker — correct reading in only 79% of cases, and points were deducted because most vehicle control functions are placed on the infotainment screen.
Collision avoidance and crash protection
In the collision avoidance category, the BMW iX3 received 83%, while the Zeekr 7GT surged ahead with a score of 89%. Both cars have powerful active safety systems. Euro NCAP noted that the Zeekr’s autonomous emergency braking system demonstrated almost flawless performance in various tests, which allowed it to move ahead. Also noted was the door opening prevention system, which warns passengers before they open the door in the path of an approaching cyclist.
Both cars performed well in crash protection tests. The BMW iX3 received 86%, achieving maximum points in side impact tests. However, in the frontal oblique impact, it showed only a “good” or “adequate” level of protection. Additionally, in the full-width frontal impact test, the car did not receive maximum points due to a “marginal” driver chest protection rating, although both child dummies in the rear seats received the highest scores.
The Zeekr 7GT again proved better, receiving 93% and maximum scores for side moving barrier impacts, side pole impacts, and far-side occupant protection. As with the BMW, it received only a “good” or “adequate” rating for frontal oblique adult protection but also scored full points for both child dummies in the rear seats.
Post-crash safety: The home stretch
In the final stage — post-crash safety — both cars received equally high 95%. Although both the BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT have electronic door handles, testing showed that the doors could be opened both from the inside and outside after all crash tests. Euro NCAP noted that the BMW’s high-voltage battery properly isolated itself after impacts, while the Zeekr lost points because its eCall (emergency call system) TPS function did not achieve the maximum score.
Thus, although both cars are extremely safe and received five stars, the Chinese Zeekr 7GT managed to outperform the German BMW iX3 in overall indicators in the new, stricter Euro NCAP tests. This shows that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are not only catching up with but, in some aspects, surpassing traditional leaders in automotive safety, with an emphasis on advanced active safety and monitoring systems. It is worth noting that the new Euro NCAP test protocols, which include real-world road conditions and a more comprehensive assessment, make the results even more indicative for modern cars.
