BMW iX3

The BMW iX3 offers dedicated physical controls for key driving functions including indicators, hazard lights, horn, gear selector and headlights.

The iX3 can detect and classify the stature of occupants in front seating positions, however it does not monitor seatbelt misuse or detect a front-seat passenger who is sitting ‘out-of-position’, for example with their feet on the dashboard.

A child presence detection system is fitted and can notify the driver when a child has been left in the vehicle.

The iX3 is equipped with driver monitoring sensors that can detect common forms of distraction, fatigue and impairment and adjust safety systems accordingly. This system performed well.

During the on-road driving assessment, which assesses the accuracy of speed limit identification functionality on local metropolitan and regional roads, the iX3 correctly identified 73% of speed change events - equivalent to 92% of the distance driven.

Adaptive cruise control functions well in its detection and response to other vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists.

A lane centering system is fitted to iX3 vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand, however this system is not standard in European vehicles where the iX3 was tested, and scores for its functionality have not been awarded.

The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system fitted to the BMW iX3 performed well in same-direction and turning scenarios with other cars. Test scenarios where the iX3 was crossing the path of a motorcycle was less advanced.

Autonomous braking when approaching pedestrians and cyclists was good.

The lane departure system fitted to the iX3 is sophisticated. It is able to intervene and redirect the vehicle to its original lane in safety-critical run-off-road and oncoming/overtaking lane departures. The iX3’s lane departure system links to the awareness state of the driver, reducing unnecessary interventions when the vehicle has determined that the driver is in full control.

The iX3’s AEB system can prevent unintended low-speed acceleration into other vehicles and motorcycles. It is however unable to override driver mis-acceleration in forwards travel towards a pedestrian. Its reversing avoidance capability was good.

The iX3 is equipped with an anti-dooring feature that prevents occupants from opening doors into the path of a cyclist approaching from behind. It achieved the maximum score.

The level of crash protection offered by the BMW iX3 is mature, with positive scores achieved for adult occupants in the frontal offset and full-width frontal tests.

A deduction was applied for the iX3’s crash compatibility in head-on crashes - where it presents a moderate risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle, if struck.

Results from virtual and sled tests demonstrated overall good levels of protection for occupants of different statures and body types.

Maximum scores were recorded for adult and child occupants seated in the side impact (t-bone) crash test. The maximum score was also noted for the driver in the oblique side pole test.

Far side impact assessments scored well, aided by the centre airbag fitted between the front seats. This helps reduce occupant-to-occupant interaction in side crashes.

Rear impact whiplash protection scored highly.

In pedestrian and cyclist impact tests, protection was varied. Adequate head protection was provided over most of its bonnet surface. Protection of the femur and tibia saw multiple good results.

The BMW iX3 is fitted with lower ISOFix anchorages for rear outboard seats and top tether anchorages for all rear seating positions. In the child restraint installation assessment, all selected child restraints were able to be fitted.

The post crash features and capability of the BMW iX3 are of a high standard.

The iX3 is fitted with an emergency crash notification (eCall) system that transmits crash location and severity to a triaged emergency services call centre to assist first responders once a crash occurs.

eCall functionality is provided to BMW iX3 owners in Australia and New Zealand for the minimum six-year period required by ANCAP.

As an all-electric vehicle, the BMW iX3 demonstrated effective battery voltage isolation and post-crash fire risk management.

The electrically-operated door handles remained in the extended position and were operable after all crash tests. The presence of a manual door release - should the electric system not be functional - was confirmed.

In the event of a crash, multi-collision braking and hazard lights will activate.

BMW demonstrated that if the BMW iX3 become submerged in water, the windows would remain functional for the minimum required time period. The iX3’s doors can also be opened when low-voltage (12v) power is lost.