BMW iX3 is the first tested under 2026 rules
BMW iX3 has become the first vehicle tested under ANCAP’s 2026-2028 criteria, earning a five-star safety rating.
ANCAP updates its test and rating requirements every three years to reflect industry advances, changing crash risks and consumer expectations.
From 2026, ANCAP rates vehicles across four Stages of Safety: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post Crash.
The new framework checks how well a vehicle supports the driver, prevents crashes, protects occupants and helps emergency responders after a collision.
Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP chief executive, called the 2026-2028 programme the most comprehensive ratings framework used in the organisation’s more than 30 years.
“Safe Driving helps reduce mistakes; Crash Avoidance helps prevent collisions; Crash Protection remains the foundation of occupant safety when a crash cannot be avoided; and Post Crash helps improve survival and recovery when every minute counts,” Hoorweg said.
The BMW iX3 is the first model independently tested against the new 2026-2028 requirements, which ANCAP announced in November 2025.
New checks now cover fuel leakage, EV battery integrity and eCall, while ANCAP keeps all of its traditional crash tests.
In ANCAP’s new on-road driving assessment, BMW iX3 correctly identified 73% of speed change events, equal to 92% of the distance driven.
Physical controls are fitted for indicators, hazard lights, horn, gear selector and headlights.
BMW iX3 crash and post-crash scores
Its autonomous emergency braking system exceeded Australian, New Zealand and European regulatory requirements in same-direction and turning scenarios involving cars and motorcycles.
ANCAP also reported strong pedestrian and cyclist detection results, while lane departure avoidance performed well in testing.
Crash protection included maximum scores for occupant protection in all side impact crashes.
The iX3 also received the maximum score for the front passenger position in the full-width frontal crash test.
From 2026, that full-width frontal test adds a third test dummy under the updated ANCAP rules.
Post-crash capability scored 95%.
The eCall system transmits crash location and severity to a triaged emergency services call centre.
BMW provides that eCall service to iX3 owners in Australia and New Zealand for the life of the vehicle.
As an electric vehicle, the BMW iX3 demonstrated battery voltage isolation and post-crash fire risk management during testing.
After every crash test, the electrically operated door handles remained extended and operable, and ANCAP confirmed a manual door release.
Hoorweg said the 2026 requirements push manufacturers to improve protection for a broader range of occupants through restraint systems and vehicle designs suited to different body types and sizes.
Another 2026 focus is eCall, an automatic crash function that notifies emergency services of a crash and its location.
Hoorweg also said ANCAP wants driver assistance systems that motorists are happy to leave switched on, following consumer feedback.
Meanwhile, the 2026 changes also include a new crash barrier in the full-width frontal test, pothole testing, rollover injury prevention checks, tougher whiplash protection rules, a motorcycle T-bone test and an automatic 50% score deduction for serious component failures.
