The new Lexus RZ has received top marks in the latest Euro NCAP test. The vehicle is particularly adept at protecting vulnerable road users and the youngest passengers in the back seat.
Euro NCAP is as busy as ever, especially after the safety collaboration tightened requirements for new vehicle safety once again at the beginning of the year.
In this year’s second Euro NCAP test, there is only one vehicle being assessed: the electric SUV Lexus RZ.
The safety improvements particularly focus on vulnerable road users. New regulations require cars to have an emergency braking system capable of detecting small pedestrians when reversing, as well as systems that can detect and brake for motorcyclists.
A sensor has also been implemented to prevent car doors from opening into the path of passing cyclists, and the pedestrian test—simulating a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist—has been updated.
The Lexus RZ is the first vehicle that Euro NCAP rewards for having a system that alerts drivers to the presence of children left in the car, which can be critical, especially in high temperatures. This is also part of the new testing requirements.
The Lexus RZ excelled in all categories, earning a full five Euro NCAP stars without any issues.
“There’s really nothing to criticize about the Lexus RZ when it comes to safety; it’s top-notch. The vehicle’s safety systems, such as the emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, which can help prevent accidents, are particularly impressive. All these new systems come standard, as they should. It’s remarkable to see how various assistance systems have improved year after year. This underscores the importance of organizations like Euro NCAP continuing to hold manufacturers accountable,” says Søren W. Rasmussen, the representative from Driverssection in Euro NCAP.
According to Euro NCAP, international data indicates that safety systems have the potential to prevent six out of ten traffic fatalities, depending on the system and the driving conditions.
This development has particularly benefited vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, passive safety for vehicle passengers has been enhanced, with features such as airbags between the front seats and stricter collision safety requirements.
“Here too, the Lexus RZ achieves an outstanding result, especially for the youngest family members who are very safely secured in the vehicle. In child safety tests, it scored maximum points in both frontal and side collision tests. It doesn’t get much better than that,” adds Søren W. Rasmussen.
In addition to the Lexus RZ, Euro NCAP has also conducted a reevaluation of the electric BMW iX1.
The BMW X1 was tested in its gasoline variant in 2022, earning five Euro NCAP stars, which now also applies to the iX1 version.
