The BMW iX3 has become the first vehicle to be independently tested under ANCAP’s new 2026–2028 safety criteria, and it has earned the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The updated testing framework introduces ANCAP’s new “Stages of Safety” approach. This marks the most comprehensive overhaul of the organisation’s testing program in more than three decades.
ANCAP collaborated with Euro NCAP to test the iX3 EV in Germany. The first tests under the new criteria began in April/May 2026.
How the BMW iX3 performed
The 2026 BMW iX3 impressed with a comprehensive suite of driver-focused features. The key highlights of the updated ANCAP test include:
- Physical controls for key driving functions such as indicators, hazard lights, horn, gear selector and headlights
- The car correctly identified 73% of speed limit changes, equivalent to 92% of the distance driven
- Driver monitoring sensors that help detect fatigue, impairment and distraction, with stronger performance in identifying fatigue and impairment
Negative points
ANCAP also noted the iX3 does not monitor seatbelt misuse and cannot detect when a front-seat passenger is sitting in an unsafe “out-of-position” posture, such as with their feet on the dashboard.
Crash avoidance systems perform strongly
The BMW iX3 comes equipped with ANCAP’s latest crash avoidance technologies. Its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system comfortably exceeded Australian, New Zealand and European regulatory requirements.
The vehicle performed well in:
- Same-direction collision scenarios
- Turning scenarios involving other vehicles and motorcycles
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
Lane departure avoidance was identified as one of the vehicle’s standout safety strengths.
High crash protection scores
The BMW iX3 achieved strong results across ANCAP’s updated crash tests. Its key outcomes included:
- Positive scores in the frontal offset crash test, which now includes a small adult female in the front passenger seat
- Maximum scores for occupant protection in every side-impact crash test
- Maximum protection scores in the new full-width frontal crash test, which now includes a third crash-test dummy in the front passenger seating position
- Very good rear-impact whiplash protection
New robustness assessments, which included virtual and sled testing, also demonstrated consistently good protection for occupants with different body sizes and across varying crash scenarios.
Excellent post-crash safety
The BMW iX3 achieved a 95% score for post-crash performance. It features an eCall system that automatically transmits the crash location and severity to an emergency services call centre.
This service is provided to Australian and New Zealand owners for the life of the vehicle. The iX3 EV also demonstrated:
- Effective battery voltage isolation after a crash
- Strong post-crash fire risk management
- Electrically operated door handles that remained extended and functional after crash testing
- A confirmed manual door release system
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A new four-stage safety assessment
ANCAP assesses vehicles across four key stages of safety under the new 2026 criteria:
1. Safe driving
2. Crash avoidance
3. Crash protection
4. Post crash
ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg said, “Over three decades of ANCAP influence, this is the most comprehensive ratings framework we’ve applied. We have again stepped up our assessment to capture and evaluate the many ways a modern car can protect its occupants and other road users.”
“The BMW iX3 is the first model we’ve put through this new rating process, and its specification and performance have captured the essence of the new requirements.”
Why the new ANCAP criteria matter
The 2026–2028 ANCAP safety criteria introduce several important new assessment areas designed to better reflect real-world crash scenarios. These include:
- A redesigned full-width frontal crash barrier to better simulate real-world impacts
- More demanding crash avoidance testing across varying weather, lighting, approach angles and speeds
- Assessment of rollover injury protection, including curtain airbag performance
- New “pothole” testing to evaluate vehicle stability when avoiding road hazards
- Stronger whiplash protection requirements, including testing focused on smaller occupants
- A new motorcycle T-bone collision test to encourage better intersection crash prevention
- Assessment of fuel leakage and EV battery integrity following crashes
- Automatic 50% score deductions for serious component failures during testing
ANCAP also now evaluates:
- How naturally lane-keeping systems interact with drivers
- Whether driver monitoring systems intelligently adjust safety interventions based on driver alertness, Automatic emergency call (eCall) functionality
Bottom line
The BMW iX3 is the first vehicle to earn a 5-star ANCAP safety rating under the organisation’s new 2026–2028 “Stages of Safety” testing framework. It delivered strong results across safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash response.
The new ANCAP criteria significantly expand testing to better reflect real-world driving conditions and modern vehicle technologies. This sets a higher benchmark for future vehicle safety assessments.
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