BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT top the new test period of Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP’s emphasis on driver monitoring and physical checks suggests there are limits to the industry’s software-first drive Euro NCAP has overhauled its vehicle safety assessment protocols for the first time in over a decade; The BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT became the first vehicles to receive five stars under the new framework. The 2026 protocols restructure the assessment around four phases: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash response. Built on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, the 2,285 kg electric SUV BMW iX3 50 xDrive scored 73% in safe driving, 83% in collision avoidance, 86% in crash protection and 95% in post-collision safety. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) exceeded Euro NCAP requirements in vehicle-to-vehicle, intersection-turning and motorcycle crash scenarios, with correct speed limit identification recorded in 86% of cases in the 2,000 km road trial. The Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD, a 2,405kg electric estate, scored 79% in safe driving, 89% in crash avoidance, 93% in crash protection and 95% in post-crash safety. Touchscreen vehicle controls alone cost 7GT points in the safe driving category, while AEB showed strong performance in frontal, rearward and intersection crash scenarios. Euro NCAP Program Director Dr. Aled Williams said in a statement: “The new Euro NCAP protocols were introduced in response to evolving engineering capabilities and innovations in technology, as well as consumer feedback. The five-star ratings of the BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT show that car manufacturers can produce safe models on many levels, from the simple but important inclusion of physical switches and buttons to the way driver aids feel in tune with the driver. Automotive safety has improved greatly since Euro NCAP published the first test results in early 1997.” and our organization is proud to play a role in efforts for safer vehicles and roads.