New X5 scores 'good' rating in IIHS testing
In the automotive world, safety can be a bit under-rated. In past years governments all over the world have mandated tougher and tougher safety standards that are helping to keep all of us safe. It seems BMW has taken the challenge of safety very seriously as its X5 "Sport Activity Vehicle" has racked up a nice string of GOOD ratings from the IIHS. Testing revealed that there was a very low risk of injury from all of the major tests, which means the X5 is not only great looking and fun to drive, it will also get you from point A to point B very safely. Side curtain air bags for all three rows of seats, stability control, and a rollover sensor were among the advancements that gave the X5 the IIHS top overall rating.
[Source: The Auto Channel]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave t. 9:47AM (2/13/2007)
to clarify, the X5 only was tested in FRONTAL crash tests not side or rear impact tests. If it gets a GOOD rating in all three it becomes a top safety pick.
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tim 11:24AM (2/13/2007)
So that's a GOOD rating for the occupants of the X5, and a DEAD rating for the people in the Honda Civic that they slam into.
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Hans 12:14PM (2/13/2007)
Not exactly, BMW engineers their vehicles to reduce the damage inflicted on other vehicles. Perhaps you are thinking of a GM or Ford SUV where such safety measures like this have not been incorporated into the vehicle's design.
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felonious monk 1:29PM (2/13/2007)
Relatively safe and fun to drive... OK, I'll give you that much. Good looking? Whoa, Let's not get carried away.
The 1st Gen X5's were handsome with clean lines. The current one reminds me of the Firebirds (and most Pontiacs for that matter) of the 80s and 90s with ugly tacked on plastic clutter.
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Rahul 10:37PM (2/13/2007)
The last generation X5 was also extremely safe, it was safest vehicle ever tested before the XC90 showed up. BMW's in general are some the safest cars out there, BMW just doesn't advertise it like Volvo or MB does. I guess it doesn't fit with their image.
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kellyg 2:03PM (2/17/2007)
i agree bmws are generally very safe. but anecdotally i've been hearing stories of traction or winter control problems with bmws and other cars. you pay a lot for these winter features but there seem to be increasing complaints about their effectiveness.
i ran into a pretty fun example of the complaints and frustrations on a website rant-comment at burbia.com it's pretty funny, i think. but it reflects genuine concerns. link is, i think: http://www.burbia.com/node/789
i'd like to see real tests of the winter package features on all car lines. not aware that there are any standardized ones.
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