The European consumer protection institute’s independent safety experts at Euro NCAP recently awarded the BMW X1 – launched in Australia in November 2022 – the highest rating of five stars thanks to its extensive suite of safety technology and driver assistance systems.
The latest generation of front collision warning with braking function provides an increased level of safety in urban traffic. It can now also detect pedestrians and cyclists approaching parallel to the lane from behind or in front when turning right, effectively helping to avoid a collision.
The BMW X1 features a centre airbag between the driver and front passenger seats as a standard specification element. This system, used for the first time in BMW models in the compact segment, was rated as extremely effective in the test. It is the latest component of the BMW integrated safety concept, which is constantly evolving to offer the most comprehensive level of safety. In addition, the BMW X1 integrates highly resilient support structures, precisely designed deformation paths and a model-specific combination of coordinated restraint systems.
The new BMW X1 also includes an active engine compartment lid – an additional measure to prevent injury to both pedestrians and cyclists. In the event of an impact, the engine compartment lid is raised by means of pyrotechnic actuators to create additional deformation space between them and the hard components underneath. The system proved reliable and effective at different speeds in the Euro NCAP safety test.
The advanced collision and driver assistance safety systems that are now standard in the BMW X1 demonstrate how technology previously reserved for flagship models has filtered down to the entry-level compact segment.
The advanced interplay of such cutting-edge technologies and driver support systems also underlines the importance of using genuine BMW parts to ensure optimum safety performance and correct vehicle functionality.
In addition to ongoing advanced education to understand the critical role these genuine parts play, technicians and panel repairers of the future will require knowledge of body materials and repair techniques to successfully deliver a repair of “beyond OEM” factory standard with the highest levels of integrity.
In the past two years, BMW Group Australia has significantly expanded its accredited national vehicle repair capability for professionals, underpinned by a new globally certified training program.
This initiative encompasses a focus on the use of genuine parts and their pivotal interaction with BMW’s safety systems, as well as the provision of knowledge and expertise to repair advanced components, such as carbon fibre and the space-age structural elements involved in the construction of BMW models, including electric vehicles.