2024 was an eventful year for car crash and safety testing, with 41 new models undergoing rigorous evaluation.
Despite stricter testing protocols introduced in 2023, 28 vehicles successfully achieved the full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Here’s a look at the top-performing models and the safest cars currently available.
Throughout the year, 41 new cars were subjected to the demanding Euro NCAP safety assessments conducted at various locations across Europe.
To secure a five-star rating, these vehicles had to meet stringent new requirements, including advanced safety measures designed to detect and prevent collisions with motorcyclists and vulnerable road users.
One of the key assessments focused on vehicles’ ability to avoid crashes when turning right at junctions or crossing the path of an oncoming car.
Additionally, Euro NCAP expanded its testing scope to include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), incorporating night-time evaluations of active safety features.
New regulations also mandate the inclusion of driver monitoring systems to detect drowsiness and inattention.
Furthermore, as of July 2024, vehicles must be equipped with a speed assistance system that alerts drivers to the current speed limit and any upcoming changes.
To achieve the coveted five-star Euro NCAP rating, each model must not only comply with these updated safety requirements but also provide superior crash protection for occupants.
The highest-scoring model of the year under the latest testing criteria is the Mercedes E-Class.
This executive sedan not only delivers exceptional occupant protection but also boasts cutting-edge active safety technologies designed to prevent accidents with other vehicles and road users.
With an active safety score of 87%, it outperformed all other models in the latest round of tests.Another standout performer is the Zeekr X, a small electric SUV from China.
Sharing its platform with the Volvo EX30, the Zeekr X benefits from Volvo’s renowned commitment to safety. It offers impressive crash protection for both its occupants and other road users.
Taking the third spot is the Volkswagen ID.7, which demonstrated strong safety credentials across all tested categories.
If safety is your top priority, these are the 10 highest-rated models currently available or arriving soon:
1. Mercedes E-Class
- Adult occupant protection: 92%
- Child occupant protection: 90%
- Pedestrian protection: 84%
- Safety Assist: 87%
- Total Euro NCAP score: 353/400
The Mercedes E-Class is a refined and well-equipped executive sedan, available with both petrol and diesel powertrains.
It is among the last internal combustion engine models Mercedes will introduce before transitioning to an all-electric lineup.
For those seeking an electric alternative, the Mercedes EQE offers nearly identical safety performance.
The E-Class stands out as the safest car tested under the latest Euro NCAP criteria.
In addition to its superior protection for adults and children, its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system effectively detects and responds to potential collisions involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
The vehicle successfully avoided crashes in nearly all scenarios tested.Furthermore, the E-Class meets all new Euro NCAP standards, including:
- A cyclist detection system that warns drivers when a cyclist is riding alongside the car.
- A child presence detection system that alerts the driver if a child has been left inside the vehicle.
As vehicle safety technology continues to advance, the Mercedes E-Class sets a new benchmark for protection and driver assistance features, making it the safest new car available in 2024.
Also Read: 10 Most Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in The US
2. Zeekr X
Adult occupant protection: 91%
Child occupant protection: 90%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety Assist: 83%
Total Euro NCAP score: 348/400
The Zeekr X achieved a perfect score in the side impact crash test, ensuring strong protection for all passengers inside the vehicle.
In frontal collision tests, it demonstrated moderate compatibility with other vehicles, minimizing potential harm in an accident.
Safety for other road users is also impressive. The Zeekr X’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system successfully prevented collisions with cyclists in every test scenario, earning full marks in this category.
Additionally, the car is equipped with a safety system that stops front-seat occupants from accidentally opening a door into the path of a passing cyclist.
Standard safety features include an automatic post-collision braking system, which engages the brakes after an initial impact to prevent secondary crashes.
Furthermore, the Zeekr X is designed so that doors can be opened and electric windows remain functional even after submersion in water, ensuring better chances of escape in emergencies.
3. Volkswagen ID.7
Adult occupant protection: 95%
Child occupant protection: 88%
Pedestrian protection: 83%
Safety Assist: 80%
Total Euro NCAP score: 346/400
The Volkswagen ID.7 stands out as one of the safest vehicles tested under the latest Euro NCAP standards.
It scored maximum points in the full-width frontal crash test, offering outstanding protection to occupants of various statures seated in different positions.
The ID.7 also excels in modern safety evaluations designed to protect vulnerable road users. It features a pop-up bonnet, which helps reduce head injuries for pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an impact.
Additionally, its crash avoidance system is highly effective at detecting motorcyclists and preventing collisions.
Volkswagen has made significant advancements in driver assistance technology. The ID.7’s active safety systems provide enhanced support while remaining unobtrusive.
A notable improvement is the lane-keeping assist, which has been refined to offer smoother corrections, addressing past concerns where previous versions were perceived as too aggressive.
4. NIO ET5
Adult occupant protection: 96%
Child occupant protection: 85%
Pedestrian protection: 83%
Safety Assist: 81%
Total Euro NCAP score: 345/400
The NIO ET5, a premium electric saloon and estate, is China’s answer to the Tesla Model 3.
Offering an engaging driving experience and a well-equipped interior, the ET5 is helping to establish NIO as a credible brand in Europe. The model is expected to be available in the UK by early 2025.
When it comes to adult occupant protection, the ET5 delivers exceptional safety, while also offering solid protection for child passengers.
The vehicle’s AEB system is designed to react to both vulnerable road users and other vehicles. It performed particularly well in detecting pedestrians and children in daylight, as well as motorcyclists in all conditions.
The lane-keeping assist function provided effective support without being overly intrusive. However, the cyclist detection system, which is intended to identify cyclists riding alongside the vehicle, was less reliable than expected.
5. Smart #3
Adult occupant protection: 90%
Child occupant protection: 86%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety Assist: 85%
Total Euro NCAP score: 345/400
The Smart #3 is a sleeker, sportier coupé version of the Smart #1 electric SUV, featuring a longer and wider design. While its roofline is more streamlined, it still maintains a high level of practicality.
When it comes to safety, the Smart #3 performs exceptionally well, offering strong protection for both occupants and other road users in the event of an accident.
Its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system is particularly effective at identifying and responding to vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as other vehicles in a variety of test scenarios.
Additionally, the Smart #3 includes a driver monitoring system designed to detect signs of inattention or fatigue, further enhancing overall safety.
6. Audi Q6 e-tron
Adult occupant protection: 91%
Child occupant protection: 92%
Pedestrian protection: 81%
Safety Assist: 80%
Total Euro NCAP score: 344/400
The Audi Q6 e-tron is a premium electric SUV positioned between the Audi Q4 e-tron and Audi Q8 e-tron in Audi’s lineup.
Developed alongside the Porsche Macan Electric, the Q6 e-tron prioritizes comfort and long-distance cruising over sporty handling.
The Q6 e-tron provides excellent protection for adult and child occupants, ensuring safety for passengers of all sizes.
However, in head-on collisions with other vehicles, it is not the most forgiving crash partner. One of its key safety features is a child presence detection system, which alerts the driver if a child has been left inside the vehicle.
In terms of active safety, the AEB system performs well, automatically detecting and responding to potential collisions with other vehicles in most test scenarios. While its response to cyclists is strong, its pedestrian detection capabilities are only average.
7. Zeekr 001
Adult occupant protection: 89%
Child occupant protection: 88%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety Assist: 83%
Total Euro NCAP score: 344/400
The Zeekr 001 is a sleek, fully electric estate car designed to compete with the Porsche Taycan. While its Euro NCAP score is slightly lower than that of the Zeekr X, it remains a highly safe vehicle.
It performed well in frontal crash tests and received maximum points in the side barrier collision test, ensuring strong protection for all critical body parts of those inside.
Like the Zeekr X, the 001 is equipped with a post-collision braking system, which automatically applies the brakes after an accident to prevent secondary impacts.
Additionally, it features an escape function, allowing occupants to exit the vehicle even if it becomes submerged in water.
A child presence detection system alerts parents if a child has accidentally been left inside the vehicle.
However, while it includes a driver monitoring system, this only detects fatigue rather than distraction, which prevented it from earning full marks in this category.
8. Mazda CX-80
Adult occupant protection: 92%
Child occupant protection: 88%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety Assist: 79%
Total Euro NCAP score: 343/400
The Mazda CX-80 ranks third-highest of the year in adult and child occupant protection, ensuring excellent safety in the event of a collision.
It earned maximum points for protecting six- and eleven-year-old children in both front and side impact crash tests.
Despite its size, the CX-80 is relatively forgiving to smaller vehicles in a head-on crash. Its front-end design has also been engineered to minimize injuries to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an accident.
While its AEB system effectively detects and prevents collisions with pedestrians both in front and behind the vehicle, it struggled to identify motorcyclists.
The CX-80 is also equipped with a driver monitoring system to detect fatigue and a speed assistance system that alerts the driver to speed limits.
9. Mercedes EQE
Adult occupant protection: 87%
Child occupant protection: 90%
Pedestrian protection: 80%
Safety Assist: 85%
Total Euro NCAP score: 342/400
The Mercedes EQE is a well-engineered, comfortable electric vehicle that offers an impressive driving range.
The EQE 300 and EQE 350 models have an official range of 388 miles, though real-world driving conditions typically yield around 325 miles, which is still five miles more than a Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
With strong safety ratings across all four Euro NCAP categories, the EQE proves to be a well-rounded choice for safety-conscious drivers.
It particularly excels in child occupant protection, achieving the highest marks in this category.
A key factor in this score is its automatic front passenger airbag deactivation system, which eliminates the need for manual switching when using a child seat unlike most other systems.
Additionally, it features a child presence detection system for extra safety.
The EQE’s AEB system effectively detects pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, further enhancing its overall safety credentials.
10. Skoda Superb
Adult occupant protection: 93%
Child occupant protection: 87%
Pedestrian protection: 82%
Safety Assist: 80%
Total Euro NCAP score: 342/400
The Skoda Superb shares its platform with the latest Volkswagen Passat, but unlike the VW Passat, which is only available as an estate, the Superb comes in both estate and hatchback versions.
Staying true to Skoda’s reputation, it prioritizes spaciousness, practicality, and value for money.
In terms of safety, the Superb meets exceptionally high standards. It demonstrated outstanding occupant protection for both adults and children, performing well in all four full-scale crash tests.
The active safety systems were effective at preventing collisions with pedestrians and received top marks for their ability to detect and respond to cyclists and motorcyclists.
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