BMW iX3 and ZEEKR 7GT earn five stars under Euro NCAP's new 2026 safety tests

Euro NCAP has introduced its advanced 2026 vehicle safety assessment protocols, called the most comprehensive overhaul of its testing and rating system in years. The new framework raises the standard for consumer protection, placing greater emphasis on intuitive and effective driver assistance systems, robust crash avoidance, occupant protection for a diverse population, and post-crash safety and care. It arrives at what Euro NCAP calls a technological and regulatory turning point, as modern vehicles rely increasingly on complex driver assistance systems, software integration, digital touch interfaces, and high-voltage electrified platforms. Both the all-new BMW iX3 and the ZEEKR 7GT have earned Euro NCAP's highest five-star safety rating under the new protocols.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, a 2,285-kg large electric SUV, earned praise in Safe Driving for its physical controls for indicators, hazard lights, horn, headlights, and gear selectors; its driver monitoring effectively detected physiological fatigue and impairment, though it was less sensitive to short-term visual distraction, and cabin monitoring can classify occupants but lacks detection of out-of-position front passengers or improper seatbelt use. In a 2,000-km real-world trial across Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, its speed limit assist correctly identified signage changes in 86% of instances, covering 97% of the distance. Its crash avoidance scored 83%, with AEB exceeding new requirements across vehicle-to-vehicle, junction-turning, and motorcycle collision paths, plus excellent pedestrian, cyclist, and lane-departure avoidance. In Crash Protection (86%), it secured maximum points in all side-impact evaluations thanks to a standard centre airbag, though it missed full marks in the full-width test because of a marginal driver chest score of 85%. Post Crash Safety reached 95%, with reliable eCall, flawless battery isolation, and electrically actuated door handles that remained…

The ZEEKR 7GT Privilege AWD, a 2,405-kg large electric family car, earned 79% in Safe Driving, with driver monitoring scoring maximum marks for acute visual distraction, fatigue, and drowsiness, plus sensors that flag incorrect lap-only seatbelt use, a manual front passenger airbag cut-off switch, and child presence detection; however, it scored poorly on general vehicle controls because features are operated via a central touchscreen rather than physical switches. In a 2,000-km drive through Spain and France, its speed assist correctly identified limit signs in 79% of cases, covering 89% of distance. Its Crash Avoidance score of 89% was stand-out, with AEB near-flawless in frontal, reversing, and intersection-crossing scenarios, and an integrated 'dooring' prevention system warning against opening doors into approaching cyclists. Crash Protection (93%) brought maximum points across side mobile barrier, side pole, and far-side occupant impacts, with virtual modelling and sled testing across the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles. Post Crash Safety matched the iX3 at 95%, with automatic high-voltage power isolation, automatic door unlocking, and undamaged manual door handles; points w…