Euro NCAP published the latest assessments of the integrated system Highway Assist, which helps drivers of various commercial vehicles to maintain a constant speed and safe distance on the motorway by combining these parameters with keeping in the middle of the lane. The ADAS they are an integral part of today’s automobile safety systems, and for this reason the independent body, famous for its crash tests, also evaluates the actual capabilities of these systems.
The latest tests have given very different responses. The best overall performance of the last batch of tests was signed by the BMW iX3 model, with a performance classified as “Very good”. Two others, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Cupra Formentor, achieved ‘Good’ ratings. The assistance systems of Polestar 2 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 were rated “Moderately good”, while Toyota Yaris and Opel Mokka-e were rated “Entry”, which is equivalent to only one in four boxes in the Euro rating system. NCAP.
Highway Assist systems are designed to assist the driver, not take control, and the driver is expected to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. For this reason, Euro NCAP not only tests the car’s ability to assist and promote safer driving, but also evaluates how much the system engages the driver and, in case of unforeseen events, what safety support is offered by the vehicle. All the cars tested in this round offered a balance between Assistance Competence – the degree to which the system can help the driver – and Driver Engagement – the extent to which the driver feels they need to stay in control and not disengage from driving.
BMW iX3, although it is a variant of the X3 range, has a new set of sensors applicable only to the fully electric version. The aptly named BMW’s so-called Driving Assistant Professional accurately portrays the functionality of the system. The promotional material and manual correctly indicate the limitations of the system’s capabilities. Status information is clear and the iX3 offers a head-up display that shows system status along the driver’s direct line of sight. BMW has equipped the iX3 with an interior camera, but it is not used for the aforementioned functionality, as it relies only on steering wheel input. The system balances the driver’s steering input with lane orientation, promoting cooperative driving. BMW combines map-based speed limit information with live camera inputs to handle fixed, variable and temporary speed limit signals. The system adapts the speed to upcoming road characteristics such as curves and intersections. The iX3 responds to avoid a collision in most test scenarios. The driver is supported in the case of an S-curve by staying within the lane but at the maximum test speed. The vehicle is equipped with an Active Blindspot system designed to prevent lane changes when adjacent vehicles are found. In the event of a lack of input from the driver, BMW is able to make a controlled stop in the lane. If the radar or camera is blocked, the iX3 provides a timely warning and prevents the system from being activated.
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