INDEPENDENT safety experts Euro NCAP have awarded both the BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the highest rating of five stars.

In the test procedure, both vehicles impressed with good occupant protection in collisions of various types, effective protection for pedestrians and cyclists, and effective accident avoidance systems.

The standard equipment featuring safety-relevant driver assistance systems fitted to the vehicles contributed to the 5-star rating.

The latest generation of front collision warning with braking function fitted to the cars provides an additional plus in 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 with weaker road users.

In addition, the new system warns of oncoming traffic when turning left.

All of the driver assistance systems used in the new BMW X1 and the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer impressed the Euro NCAP safety experts with their range of functions and reliable level of response.

Both models feature a centre airbag between the driver and front passenger seats as standard. This system, used for the first time in BMW models in the compact segment, was rated to be extremely effective in the test.

In both the front and rear seats, the headrests and seats of the new BMW X1 and the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer effectively protect against cervical injuries that can be triggered by a rear-end collision, according to Euro NCAP.

In addition, the test experts highlighted the standard equipment featured by both models with the intelligent emergency call and an emergency braking system for avoiding secondary collisions.