Independent road safety body Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) has completed a comprehensive and crucial round of testing, subjecting no fewer than 23 new models to rigorous testing. The results, which mark one of the most extensive assessment sessions in recent memory, confirm a generally high level of safety in the modern automotive industry.
The great news is that an overwhelming majority of 18 models achieved the maximum 5-star rating, while the remaining 5 models received a respectable 4-star score. This new round of testing highlights the exceptional performance of volume and luxury electric models, along with a strong presence from Asian manufacturers.
Here is a detailed analysis of the results, divided into the two categories of scores obtained.
Most of the cars tested managed to score the maximum score, an indicator that manufacturers continue to invest heavily in active and passive protection technologies.
Test Stars: Tesla Model Y Facelift and Volvo EX90
At the top of the ranking were two of the most anticipated electric models:
Tesla Model Y Facelift (5 Stars): The American model impressed with top scores, especially in the child protection (93%) and assistance systems (92%). Adult passenger protection was rated at 91% and pedestrian protection at 86%.
Volvo EX90 (5 Stars): As we've come to expect from the Swedish manufacturer, safety is top-notch. The EX90 scored 92% for adult protection and, like the Tesla, an impressive 93% for child protection.
Asian Surprise: Chinese Dominance
Chinese manufacturers continue to demonstrate that they do not compromise on safety, being among the best ranked:
LEAPMOTOR B10 (5 Stars): An excellent debut, with almost perfect scores: 93% in adults, 93% in children and 85% in assistance systems.
BYD SEAL 6 (5 Stars): Another Chinese model that scores 92% for adult protection and 90% for child protection.
Hongqi EHS7 (5 Stars): The luxury SUV recorded the highest score for adult protection in this round, tied with the B10 and Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, reaching 93%.
Premium and Volume Models with the Highest Score
The 5-star list is complemented by big names, demonstrating top-notch safety across the entire market spectrum:
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe (5 Stars): With 93% in adult protection, the premium coupe confirms the brand's high standards.
Lucid Gravity (5 Stars): The American SUV excelled in child protection (93%), even though it scored slightly lower in adult protection (83%).
"Twin" models (5 Stars): Euro NCAP reconfirmed the scores for technically identical models:
Skoda Elroq & Enyaq Facelift: Both received scores of 90% (adults) and 87% (children).
Cupra Leon & Seat Leon: Both with 88% (adults) and 86% (children).
Toyota bZ4X Facelift & Subaru Solterra Facelift: Both scored 88% (adults) and 85% (children).
Other models that achieved the maximum rating include: Volkswagen ID.3 Facelift, Kia EV5, MG MGS9 PHEV and Audi A3 Facelift.
Five models failed to reach the 5-star threshold, but achieved a 4-star score, still considered a good result under Euro NCAP's increasingly strict testing protocols.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (4 Stars): The Bavarian model was penalized in adult protection (78%). Although it achieved a good score in pedestrian protection (85%), this was not enough for 5 stars.
Toyota Yaris Cross (4 Stars): With 79% in adult protection, the Yaris Cross remained at 4 stars, although it performed decently in the other chapters.
Volkswagen Multivan and Caddy (Both 4 Stars): The utility/family models suffered especially in adult protection, with the Multivan scoring 77% and the Caddy only 72%.
Nissan Qashqai Facelift (4 Stars): The Japanese SUV suffered the biggest points deficit. Although it scored 78% in adult protection, scores of 65% in pedestrian protection and, especially, 62% in assistance systems dragged down the final result.
This ninth round of Euro NCAP tests highlights two major trends: safety standards for new vehicles are extremely high, and assistance systems are becoming a key component in achieving the maximum score.
The fact that 18 out of 23 models received 5 stars shows that top safety is no longer the exclusive preserve of the premium segment. At the same time, 4-star results for models such as the Nissan Qashqai and VW Caddy remind us that manufacturers need to keep up with the continuous evolution of Euro NCAP protocols, which become more demanding every year. Consumers now have a wide range of extremely safe options available, regardless of market segment.