BMW iX3 earns five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

BMW Korea announced Friday that the new BMW iX3 has earned a five-star rating — the highest possible — in the latest safety assessment by Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme.

Euro NCAP's evaluation framework, significantly strengthened starting this year, places greater emphasis on real-world road safety performance. The updated system is designed to assess the full spectrum of vehicle safety more rigorously and comprehensively — from accident prevention and collision avoidance to occupant protection during a crash and rescue support in its aftermath.

The new BMW iX3 performed well across all four assessment categories: safe driving, collision avoidance, collision protection and post-crash safety.

In the safe driving category, the vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems drew strong marks. The speed limit information display function correctly identified speed limits along 97 percent of a roughly 2,000-kilometer test route spanning Italy, France, Germany and Austria, and accurately recognized changes in road signs.

In the collision avoidance category, the automatic emergency braking system and a range of other active safety systems contributed to the high score. The vehicle also recorded strong results in lane departure collision prevention and low-speed collision avoidance. Its exit warning function, which alerts drivers to cyclists approaching from behind when a door is opened, also received high marks.

The new BMW iX3 demonstrated strong occupant protection in the collision protection category as well. It achieved a perfect score for rear-seat child protection in the offset frontal crash test and topped the scoring in the side impact test. The standard-fit center airbag, which prevents the driver and front passenger from colliding with each other in a side impact, was particularly well received.

The vehicle also excelled in the post-crash safety category. Its flush-type door handles were confirmed to operate normally after all crash tests. Evaluators also gave high marks to the mechanical dual-safety mechanism, which allows occupants to escape and rescuers to open the doors from outside even when the vehicle's electrical system is not functioning.

Beyond safety, the new BMW iX3 has earned broader recognition for its design, driving dynamics, performance, efficiency and innovation, winning both World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year at the 2026 World Car Awards.

Meanwhile, the next-generation electric sports activity vehicle surpassed 2,000 pre-orders within three days of opening reservations in March, signaling strong early demand.

The new BMW iX3 is equipped with sixth-generation eDrive technology and an 800-volt high-voltage system, delivering a maximum WLTP range of 805 kilometers. With 400-kilowatt rapid charging, it can add up to 372 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes.

The model is available in South Korea as a single variant — the 50 xDrive — producing a maximum output of 469 horsepower and peak torque of 65.8 kilogram-meters. It accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.9 seconds.

The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport is priced at 86.9 million won ($57,800), while the M Sport Pro trim starts at 91.9 million won.