The BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT have become the first vehicles to secure five-star safety ratings under Euro NCAP's comprehensively revised 2026 testing protocols, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The updated procedures now evaluate post-crash assistance, the effectiveness of driver aids, and how well protection systems adapt to a diverse range of occupants. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive Neue Klasse scored 86% in crash protection and 73% in safe driving, while the Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD posted 93% in crash protection and 79% in safe driving. Both models achieved 95% in post-impact safety.
BMW's speed-limit recognition system correctly identified signage across 97% of a 2,000-kilometre route through Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, underscoring the growing weight Euro NCAP places on active driver-assistance technology alongside traditional crashworthiness.