• First vehicles evaluated using Euro NCAP's most significant overhaul of its testing and scoring procedures in over a decade.
• The Stages of Safety are the most complete evaluation of modern cars’ safety and focus on the entire safety journey ─ from safe driving to post-crash response.
• The ‘Neue Klasse’ BMW iX3 and ZEEKR 7GT both achieve a five-star score.
• Shows that both European and Chinese manufacturers have adapted successfully to the more challenging assessment protocols.

LEUVEN, BELGIUM – Euro NCAP has introduced its advanced 2026 vehicle safety assessment protocols, representing the most comprehensive overhaul of its testing and rating system in years. The new framework raises the standard for consumer protection, placing greater emphasis on intuitive and effective driver assistance systems, robust crash avoidance, occupant protection for a diverse population, and post-crash safety and care. The results show that manufacturers are already rising to the challenge. Both the all-new BMW iX3 and the ZEEKR 7GT have earned Euro NCAP's highest five-star safety rating under the new protocols.