news

BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz top IIHS auto-brake tests


The BMW 5 Series and X5, Hyundai Genesis and Mercedes-Benz E-Class have earned perfect scores in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest round of auto-brake testing.

The quartet earned six points out of six and a ‘superior’ rating in the US Institute’s front crash prevention test, which scores vehicles based on their ability to brake automatically before an object in 12mph (19km/h) and 25mph (40km/h) tests, as well as the effectiveness of their visual and audible collision warning aids.

The 5 Series, X5, Genesis and E-Class avoided collisions altogether in both speed tests and delivered effective warning signals before initiating auto braking. The two BMW models only scored the top rating when equipped with the camera and radar braking system, however, as models with the inferior, camera-only braking system scored just three points out of six and an ‘advanced’ rating.

Four other US-market models also scored the top ‘superior’ rating with scores of five out of six. The Buick Regal, Cadillac CTS and XTS, and Chevrolet Impala all avoided an impact in the slow-speed test and, despite making contact with the object in the high-speed test, managed to wipe 10-21mph (16-34km/h) off their speed.

The BMW 2 Series, Buick LaCrosse and Lexus IS all scored four points, the Audi A3 and A6, BMW 3 Series (with camera-only braking function), Dodge Durango, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class three points, and the Infiniti QX50 and QX70 two points, qualifying them all for an advanced rating.

Lower-spec BMW 3 Series, which only braked in the Institute’s testing if its sensors detected a moving object, scored just one point and a ‘basic’ rating, matching the Infiniti Q70 and Toyota Avalon.

The first round of testing in September 2013 proved Subaru’s EyeSight system to be superior to rival systems from luxury brands including Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent