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Euro NCAP has released its latest gradings for Assisted Highway Driving systems across five popular car models. The BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class were rated as ‘Very Good,’ leading the pack in both Assistance Competence and Safety Backup. The Volkswagen ID.7 and Volvo EC40 received a ‘Good’ grading, while the BYD ATTO 3 was deemed ‘Not Recommended’ due to safety shortcomings.
Key Highlights
- BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class excel in providing a balanced level of driver assistance with robust safety backup.
- Volkswagen ID.7 and Volvo EC40 earn a ‘Good’ rating but lack advanced features found in the top performers.
- BYD ATTO 3 receives ‘Not Recommended’ due to inadequate Safety Backup performance.
- Euro NCAP expands testing criteria for 2024, focusing on Driver Monitoring and Vulnerable Road User scenarios.
Expanded Assisted Driving Assessments
The Euro NCAP assessment of Assisted Driving systems, launched in 2020, evaluates two core aspects: Assistance Competence, which gauges the balance between the level of assistance and the driver’s engagement, and Safety Backup, which involves measures taken in critical situations to prevent collisions. In 2024, Euro NCAP broadened its driver monitoring requirements and introduced new benchmarks for speed assistance, accounting for lane relevance, road features, and local hazards.
In the latest round of assessments, the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class both earned a ‘Very Good’ rating. These models demonstrated exceptional Assistance Competence with effective speed and lateral control, allowing drivers to stay engaged and ready to regain control if necessary. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class particularly excelled in Safety Backup, performing a controlled stop by moving to the hard shoulder if the driver became unresponsive.
The Volkswagen ID.7 and Volvo EC40 (formerly C40 Recharge) were graded as ‘Good,’ showing solid performance but lacking some advanced features compared to the top-rated models.
The BYD ATTO 3, featuring Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), was rated ‘Not Recommended’. Issues included misinterpretation of road signs and poor Safety Backup, particularly the system’s inability to handle stationary vehicles and unresponsive drivers effectively. This critical flaw led to the ACC maintaining speed while ceasing steering support, posing a significant risk to an unresponsive driver.
Euro NCAP emphasizes that all evaluated systems are driver assistance tools only. Advanced technologies are emerging that may eventually allow drivers to disengage from the driving task, but driver supervision remains essential for current systems. Euro NCAP will continue evaluating these technologies to ensure consumers are informed about safety standards.
Focus on Driver Monitoring and Safety Scenarios
The 2024 updates incorporate specific criteria for Driver Monitoring to evaluate systems’ effectiveness in detecting driver states linked to potential risks, such as overreliance and distraction. Additionally, new Safety Backup scenarios for Vulnerable Road Users have been introduced, requiring ACC systems to effectively address incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and now motorcyclists.
These evaluations offer valuable insights for consumers regarding the capabilities and limitations of current Assisted Driving technologies. While these features provide comfort and convenience, driver awareness and supervision are necessary at all times to mitigate risks associated with improper use or technological limitations.
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