New BMW 5 Series Receives Top Crash Test Rating From Euro NCAP

BMW 5 Series showed good overall performance in crash protection and avoidance tests, scoring 81 percent overall thanks to its new platform, body and updated safety features.

Track tests proved that the autonomous braking system could assist the driver in evading or decreasing critical rear-end crashes with other vehicles and pedestrians.

Cars are evaluated by engineers and scientists in a mixture of situations. In some, crash test dummies are wired up to measure the forces and possible injuries they would experience in frontal, side-on or offset impacts.

Cars are also now also measured on how well they avoid crashes in the first place through features such as automatic emergency braking or pedestrian detection sensors.

An NCAP spokesman said: "The seven generation BMW 5 Series showed good all-round performance in crash protection and avoidance tests thanks to its new platform, body and updated safety features."

He added, "Track tests demonstrated that the autonomous braking system can effectively assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating critical rear-end crashes with other cars and pedestrians. With an 81 percent score, the 5-series particularly impressed in pedestrian safety through its standard-fit `Person Warning' system and active bonnet."