Euro NCAP has introduced updated vehicle safety assessment protocols for 2026, marking the first major overhaul of its rating system in more than a decade. Under the new framework, the BMW iX3 and Zeekr 7GT have become the first models to win Euro NCAP’s top five-star rating.
The updated approach reorganizes testing into four stages of safety: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection, and post-crash response. Euro NCAP said the changes reflect both evolving engineering capabilities and feedback from consumers, as vehicles increasingly rely on advanced driver assistance systems, software integration, touchscreen interfaces, and electrified powertrains.
BMW’s iX3 50 xDrive, a large electric SUV weighing 2,285 kilograms, scored 73% for safe driving, 83% for crash avoidance, 86% for crash protection, and 95% for post-crash safety. Euro NCAP highlighted the vehicle’s use of dedicated physical controls for key functions such as indicators, hazard lights, the horn, headlights, and gear selectors. Its driver monitoring also performed well, including the ability to detect driver fatigue and impairment, though it was judged less sensitive to short-term visual distraction.
In real-world testing across Italy, France, Germany, and Austria covering 2,000 kilometers, the iX3’s speed limit assist correctly identified changes in 86% of instances and covered 97% of the driven distance. For crash avoidance, Euro NCAP said the autonomous emergency braking system exceeded required performance across multiple scenario types, including vehicle-to-vehicle situations, junction-turning paths, and motorcycle collisions.
For crash protection, the iX3 achieved strong results, including maximum points in side-impact evaluations and performance aided by a standard centre airbag designed to reduce the risk of impacts between occupants. In full-width testing, Euro NCAP noted a marginal driver chest result and still reported good or adequate protection for adult dummies. After a crash, the iX3 earned its highest marks for post-crash safety, including reliable coordination with emergency responders via eCall, effective battery isolation on high-voltage systems, and doors remaining operable after impact with a manual override release.
The Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD, a large electric family car weighing 2,405 kilograms, also earned five stars with scores of 79% for safe driving, 89% for crash avoidance, 93% for crash protection, and 95% for post-crash safety. Euro NCAP praised the 7GT’s driver monitoring for addressing fatigue and drowsiness, as well as visual distraction. The system also includes features such as alerts related to seatbelt use for lap-only situations and provisions intended to support rear-facing child restraint safety.
Unlike the iX3, the 7GT lost points in the safe-driving category because many functions—including driving settings and climate control—are operated primarily through a central touchscreen rather than physical controls. Euro NCAP reported that the vehicle’s speed assist identified limit signs in 79% of cases during the 2,000-kilometer road trial through Spain and France, covering 89% of distance.
In crash avoidance, the 7GT’s autonomous emergency braking performed very well in frontal, reversing, and intersection crossing scenarios. Euro NCAP also cited a “dooring” prevention feature that warns occupants against opening doors into approaching cyclists. For crash protection, the report described robust performance across multiple impact tests and strong results involving rear child dummies. For post-crash safety, the 7GT again scored 95%, with automatic high-voltage power isolation, door unlocking, and effective energy management, while points were reduced because its TPS eCall did not achieve the maximum score.
Dr. Aled Williams, Programme Director of Euro NCAP, said the new protocols were introduced both in response to consumer feedback and to match evolving technology, noting that the five-star results show manufacturers can deliver safety across multiple dimensions—from basic physical controls to how driver aids fit with the driver.
