Euro NCAP releases assisted driving gradings for five new models
With assisted driving becoming an increasingly common feature on the options list, Euro NCAP has put five new cars to the test against its latest protocols and finds wide differences in manufacturers’ implementation of the technology.
Euro NCAP’s assessment of assisted driving systems, first introduced in 2020, rests on two pillars: Assistance Competence, the balance between the level of assistance offered by the vehicle and the degree to which the system helps the driver remain engaged in the driving task and of the limitations of the system; and Safety Backup, the measures taken in critical situations to avoid a collision.
In 2024, Euro NCAP extended its driver monitoring requirements and introduced additional measures to improve speed assistance related to lane relevance, road features, and local hazards. Furthermore, Safety Backup scenarios have been expanded to include motorcyclist avoidance, alongside pedestrians and cyclists.
Tested under these conditions, the assisted sriving systems of two cars are said to have stood out, with exceptional levels of Assistance Competence and excellent Safety Backup.
The BMW i5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class were considered ‘Very Good’, the systems of both providing robust speed and lateral control to take much of the driving load, while keeping the driver ‘in the loop’, to take back control if needed. For Safety Backup, the Merc scored particularly highly, the car moving to the hard shoulder and performing a controlled stop if the driver is unresponsive.
The Volkswagen ID.7 and Volvo EC40 (previously the C40 Recharge) were given a ‘Good’ grading. Both cars performed well, although Euro NCAP says they lacked some of the more sophisticated features and robust performance of the BMW and the Mercedes-Benz.
Bringing up the rear, and ‘Not Recommended’ by Euro NCAP, is the BYD Atto 3 with its Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. According to the tester, the speed assistance system did not interpret road signs correctly and scored only modestly in Assistance Competence.
However, it was in Safety Backup where Euro NCAP says the car did not reach minimum standards, specifically the overall poor performance of ACC against stationary vehicles, and the lack of action taken in case of an unresponsive driver.
In this critical scenario, the system effectively switches off steering support after a prolonged period of inactivity whilst maintaining speed control – leaving an unresponsive driver to their fate.
“All the systems tested by Euro NCAP provide assistance only. More advanced technologies are emerging that will allow drivers to no longer remain focused on the driving task,” the car safety performance assessor said.
“Euro NCAP will continue to monitor the development of these technologies to provide consumers with relevant safety information,” it added.