In Euro NCAP tests, the Zeekr electric car outperformed the BMW.
The influential Euro NCAP organization has announced the results of the most comprehensive and stringent safety tests in the past decade, as reported by Zamin.uz.
The first crash tests conducted under the new methodology featured Germany's BMW iX3 and China's Zeekr 7GT electric vehicles. Although both models achieved the maximum five-star rating, the Chinese brand demonstrated superiority over the German automotive giant in the majority of indicators.
This was reported by international publications. Euro NCAP experts tested the vehicles in four main areas.
In particular, the BMW iX3 model scored 73 percent in the safe driving category. Experts praised this model for retaining physical control buttons, monitoring the driver's condition, and having a high-quality road sign recognition system.
In tests conducted over 2,000 kilometers across Germany, France, Italy, and Austria, the BMW system correctly identified speed limits 86 percent of the time. In technological sophistication and safety systems, the Zeekr 7GT outperformed its rival, scoring 79 points in this area.
According to the data, Chinese engineers installed a more advanced monitoring system in the vehicle that detects improper use of the driver's seat and seat belt. Additionally, the function for detecting a child left in the cabin and the ability to deactivate the front passenger airbag for installing child seats earned the Zeekr model additional points.
However, the fact that many functions are controlled only via the multimedia screen and the somewhat lower performance in road sign recognition affected its overall score. Significant differences were also observed in the collision prevention systems tests.
The BMW iX3 model scored 83 percent, while the Zeekr 7GT scored 89 percent. Experts specifically acknowledged the automatic emergency braking system in the Zeekr model and the warning function for approaching cyclists when a door is opened.
Such technologies are of great importance in preventing accidents in modern urban conditions. The Chinese electric vehicle also took the lead in protecting occupants directly during a collision.
With 93 points, the Zeekr 7GT set one of the record results, while the BMW scored 86 points. Although the BMW received the maximum score in side impacts, the protection of adults in frontal collisions was rated only as good or adequate.
The Zeekr, on the other hand, was deemed worthy of the highest ratings for child safety and side impacts. In post-collision safety, both vehicles showed results above 95 percent.
According to the Euro NCAP report, the doors of both electric vehicles can be easily opened from inside and outside even after a strong impact. In the BMW model, the high-voltage battery is automatically disconnected from power after a collision, reducing the risk of fire.
These tests once again confirmed that the Chinese automotive industry can confidently compete with global leaders in safety.
