The last time Euro NCAP tested a new BMW, things didn’t end well. Much to the disbelief of many brand loyalists, the 1 Series (F70) only received a four-star rating. It missed the fifth star mainly because of the weak protection for the driver’s chest and left leg. The analysis also showed vulnerability in the passenger’s legs.
The results of the last crash tests were significantly better. The X3 (G45) received a full five stars after Euro NCAP rated a 20 xDrive model with the M Sport package weighing 1,976 kilograms (4,356 pounds). The luxury crossover achieved a score of 88% in adult occupant protection and 84% in child occupant protection. It also performed well in the “Safety Assistant” and “Dangerous Road Users” categories with 80% and 77% respectively.
The rating applies to all versions of the fourth-generation X3 and includes the four-cylinder petrol and diesel variants, the six-cylinder diesel, the plug-in hybrid and the sporty M50. If there had been a real M version, it too would have received the full five-star rating. However, BMW will not produce another X3 M with a combustion engine.
There could be a fully electric X3 M on the Neue Klasse platform this decade. If this is the case, its classification is likely to be adopted by the regular iX3, which Euro NCAP has not yet tested since the electric SUV debuted a few weeks ago. With delivery to customers in Europe scheduled for next spring, a crash test is expected to take place in the second half of 2026 or early 2027.
Although the current X3 generation was presented in June 2024, Euro NCAP only recently managed to organize a crash test. To be fair, the market launch only began in the last quarter of last year. The full crash test report is available at the link below.
The X3 wasn’t the only five-star car in the last round of evaluations. Other top performers include the Audi Q3, Cadillac Optiq, Cupra Born, Mazda 6e, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and several others.
Photos and videos: Euro NCAP
