Crash test - The potential of today’s active and passive safety
Crash test
Two structurally identical BMW models from the current series were crashed to highlight the potential benefit of modern vehicle safety systems. One of the vehicles was fitted with an activated automatic emergency braking system. The impact was against a crash block, which had a so-called deformation element built on the front to simulate an oncoming vehicle. The crash constellation was chosen in line with the EuroNCAP consumer protection tests.
Two structurally identical BMW models from the current series were crashed to highlight the potential benefit of modern vehicle safety systems. One of the vehicles was fitted with an activated automatic emergency braking system. The impact was against a crash block, which had a so-called deformation element built on the front to simulate an oncoming vehicle. The crash constellation was chosen in line with the EuroNCAP consumer protection tests.
Vehicles
BMW 530d, year of manufacture 2010, (64 km/h), 2,264 kg mass
BMW 530d with emergency braking system assistant, year of manufacture 2010, (40,4 km/h), 2,264 kg mass
BMW 530d, year of manufacture 2010, (64 km/h), 2,264 kg mass
BMW 530d with emergency braking system assistant, year of manufacture 2010, (40,4 km/h), 2,264 kg mass
Crash outcome
Thanks to the effectively working crumple zone combined with the restraint system, only a low risk of injury resulted for the occupants from the crash at 64 km/h. In the second test the vehicle’s sensor technology recognised the inevitability of the collision and automatically triggered emergency braking. The crash speed was reduced as a result to approx. 40 km/h. The kinetic energy therefore dropped by 60 percent. The damage to the vehicle was significantly less and the already low risk of injury was minimised. As the vehicles were fitted with eCall, emergency calls were automatically placed to the BMW emergency services. All the relevant site and vehicle data as well as information about the triggered airbags and occupied seats were sent correctly.
Thanks to the effectively working crumple zone combined with the restraint system, only a low risk of injury resulted for the occupants from the crash at 64 km/h. In the second test the vehicle’s sensor technology recognised the inevitability of the collision and automatically triggered emergency braking. The crash speed was reduced as a result to approx. 40 km/h. The kinetic energy therefore dropped by 60 percent. The damage to the vehicle was significantly less and the already low risk of injury was minimised. As the vehicles were fitted with eCall, emergency calls were automatically placed to the BMW emergency services. All the relevant site and vehicle data as well as information about the triggered airbags and occupied seats were sent correctly.