The most interesting fact is not the overall score, but the fact that the X3 secured some interesting new credentials. It received 41 points for child protection, 11.9 in the 18 month old child test with the backwards-facing seat, and a maximum 12 in the 3 year old child test.
As for the mother or babysitter that’s driving those theoretical children, she should feel lucky as well, as the car got 14.6 points in the frontal collision test. The X3 scored maximum points for the protection it provided in the side barrier test. In the more severe side pole impact, protection of the chest was weak.
Unfortunately, the front seat and head restraint provided marginal protection against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
Unless carmakers start making the front edge of the bonnet from gelatin, we’re going to keep hearing of weak pedestrian protection there, but we doubt that getting hit by the 1.8 ton SUV would be to pleasant even if it was soft.
ESP is standard on the X3 and met Euro NCAP's requirements. The tests show that there is a seatbelt reminder system for the driver and passenger, but not for the rear seats, though this is basically industry-wide. The X3 is not available with a speed limitation device, so the X3 only got 71 percent for its Safety assist technology.
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