Updated 2017 BMW 5 Series Earns Top Safety Award
The BMW 5 Series has earned a top safety award.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said the new redesigned BMW 5 Series offers good protection in a small overlap front crash, which is in contrast to the previous generation that didn’t hold up well during the small overlap test. The improvement on the test combined with the superior-rated optional front crash prevention system and good-rated headlights earned the 2017 BMW 5 Series a Top Safety Pick+ award.
In the small overlap test, the new 5 Series maintained its driver space well with maximum intrusion of five inches at the footrest. In addition, the airbags and seatbelt worked well together to control the test dummy’s movement, and measures taken from the dummy indicates a low risk of any significant injuries in a real-world crash of the same severity. It’s a noticeable improvement compared to the earlier BMW 5 Series, which had maximum intrusion reach 12 inches at the footrest, while the steering column was pushed back three inches toward the driver. The measurements taken from the dummy in the previous 5 Series test indicated that injuries to the lower left leg would be likely in a real-world crash, as well as possible injuries to the left foot.
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There are two different optional front crash prevention systems available for the sedan and both of them earn a superior rating. In IIHS track tests, both systems avoided collisions at 12 mph and 25 mph. The standard headlights on the 2017 BMW 5 Series earned a marginal rating, but the units that come with the optional lighting or premium packages earn a good rating.
In order to earn the 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must have good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as an available front crash prevention system rated advanced or superior. Headlights must also earn an acceptable or good rating.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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