Euro NCAP has assessed the assisted highway driving features of five new models, with one Chinese model receiving a rating of ‘not recommended’.
Ratings are based on two key areas: assistance competence – the balance between automation and ensuring driver engagement; and safety backup – measures taken in an emergency to avoid a collision.
In the latest testing, the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class were considered ‘Very Good’, while the Volkswagen ID.7 and Volvo EC40 were considered ‘good’.
However, the BYD ATTO 3 was ‘not recommended by Euro NCAP, which found the speed assistance system did not interpret road signs correctly and scored only modestly in assistance competence.
Meanwhile, its safety backup failed even to reach the minimum standards as no action was taken in the event of an unresponsive driver, leaving them to their fate.
Adriano Palao Bernal, ADAS & AD Technical Manager Euro NCAP, said, “These evaluations provide consumers with critical insights into the Assisted Driving features available in today’s vehicles.
“First, car buyers interested in this technology must be aware that whilst it enables a comfortable driving experience, it has flaws under certain conditions and may create new risks when misused – hence driver supervision and situational awareness must be ensured at all times while operating these systems.
“Now in 2024, the assessment has evolved, incorporating two main updates: specific requirements for Driver Monitoring, evaluating the effectiveness of the technology in detecting typical driver states associated with risk, such as system overreliance, prolonged distraction, and sudden onset, eventually leading to a vehicle response that may help prevent a crash.
“Then, the introduction of Vulnerable Road Users traveling ahead at a small offset in ACC Performance and Safety Backup scenarios ensures that ACC addresses accident types typical in interurban areas.”
