BMW iX Passes Euro NCAP Crash Tests With Flying Colours, Launch On December 13

BMW is all set to kick off its electric journey with the iX electric SUV launch on December 13, and there’s great news for those considering the luxury electric SUV. Not only does it have a strong presence with loaded tech, but it's also one of the safest EVs around, as the iX has absolutely aced the Euro NCAP safety tests with a five-star safety rating.

The model tested was the base xDrive40 which comes loaded with front, side, and curtain airbags, an interactive airbag in the middle, as well as a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Going through frontal, side and rear impact tests, the iX managed to score 91 percent in Adult Occupant Protection, 87 percent in Child Occupant Protection, 81 percent in Safety Assists, and 73 percent in Vulnerable Road Users.

 

What gave the iX crucial brownie points in the crash tests was its extremely stable body structure, which comprises an aluminium space frame concept with a carbon cage for the passenger compartment. So, it’s safe to say that the strong build ensured occupants were well cocooned in case of a crash. The only downer, though, was in the full-width rigid barrier test where the driver’s chest received only ‘adequate’ protection. 

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The electric SUV’s well designed deformation zones, as well as precise restraint systems also gave it an advantage in the crash test. It also features an active bonnet where sensors on the bumper detect an oncoming collision and lift the bonnet to create a deformation zone in order to help prevent direct impact between pedestrians and hard materials in the engine bay. 

Standard advanced driver assists include attention assist, lane departure warning and speed limit recognition, forward collision warning, as well as automatic emergency braking which were positively reviewed in the crash test report.

In India, we could have the BMW iX retailing at around Rs 1 crore, with the flagship electric SUV taking on the Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, and Jaguar I-Pace.