BMW iX3 2026 Crash and Safety Tests | Euro NCAP Results

The 'Neue Klasse' BMW iX3 50 xDrive (large electric SUV, 2,285 kg kerb weight) delivered an outstanding performance across all stages of the assessment and may be BMW's safest car to date. In the Safe Driving (73 per cent) assessment category, the iX3 was praised for its dedicated physical controls for the indicators, hazard lights, horn, headlights, and gear selectors. Its driver monitoring proved effective at detecting physiological driver fatigue and impairment, though it demonstrated lower sensitivity toward short-term visual distraction. During a 2,000-km real-world road trial across Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, its speed limit assist function identified signage changes correctly in 86 per cent of instances, covering 97 per cent of the driven distance. The iX3 offers advanced cabin monitoring that can classify occupants but does not include more innovative features such as detection of out-of-position of front passenger or improper seatbelt use. The new iX3’s Crash Avoidance (83 per cent) technologies performed exceptionally well with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) comfortably exceeding new Euro NCAP requirements, showing good mitigation capabilities across vehicle-to-vehicle, junction-turning, and motorcycle collision paths. Pedestrian and cyclist protection was excellent, while its lane departure avoidance systems also performed well. In Crash Protection (86 per cent), the iX3 secured maximum points in all side-impact evaluations, aided by its standard centre airbag which prevents impacts between occupants. Frontal offset testing demonstrated good or adequate protection for all adult statures, including the small adult female dummy in the front passenger seat. The iX3 did not receive full marks in the full width test due to a marginal driver chest score of 85% despite maximum points being awarded for both rear child dummies. The vehicle scored an outstanding 95% in Post Crash Safety. Its built-in eCall setup reliably coordinates with first responders. The electric high-voltage architecture executed flawless battery isolation – essential to help minimize the risk of fire – while all electrically actuated door handles extended and remained fully operable post-impact, complemented by an accessible manual override release.