BMW i3 fails to achieve the five star Euro NCAP award !

BMW's electric i3 has scored four out of a possible five stars in a EuroNCAP safety test after faring poorly in the pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems categories.

The four-door i3 hatchback is the first model from BMW's i subbrand and the first mass-market car made largely from carbon fiber. BMW premiered the i3 on three continents in July before starting German sales of the car on Nov. 16.

EuroNCAP said the i3 scored just 57 percent in the pedestrian safety test due to a "poor" front edge to the hood and disappointing results recorded at the base of the windshield and along the "stiff" windshield pillars.

"These are shortcomings, especially because the i3 was designed as a modern car for big cities," the German motoring organization ADAC said. "Pedestrian protection should be of particularly high value."

In the safety assistance systems test, the i3 scored 55 percent, with EuroNCAP noting that the i3 met test requirements by offering electronic stability control as standard equipment, but lacked seat belt reminders in the rear of the car. The organization said a system designed to control the car's speed was not expected to reach EuroNCAP's minimum fitment rate to qualify for assessment.

BMW is placing high hopes on the 34,950 euro model, which has attracted more than 10,000 pre-orders and 100,000 requests for test drives.

The results, while not overwhelmingly negative, could cause some concern and potentially put off future buyers.

A BMW spokesman said the findings disregard steps taken by the manufacturer to enhance protection of pedestrians, citing the i3's special brakes and sensors.

BMW will study the test results before casting a final opinion, the spokesman added.

Analysts estimate BMW has spent at least 2 billion euros on developing the i subbrand, which BMW has trademarked through to a series number i9 -- hinting at the scope of its electric plans. The next model from the i subbrand is the i8 plug-in hybrid supercar, which is due to launch next spring.

Test results

In the remaining two EuroNCAP test categories, the i3 scored 86 percent for adult occupant safety and 81 percent for child occupant safety.

The i3 received praise from the safety organization for its performance in the side barrier test, with the i3 scoring maximum points with good protection of all body regions.

EuroNCAP is backed by seven European governments as well as motoring and consumer organizations in every European country. It organizes crash tests and provides consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of cars sold in Europe.

Latest NCAP results, BMW, Ford, Nissan, Mercedes and VW fail to get 5.

Brussels, 27 November – The latest batch of Euro NCAP results covers the following eleven vehicles in a large panel of categories.

The Small Families Peugeot 308 and Mazda 3 achieved the 5 star overall rating while the Ford Ecosport and BMW i3 reached 4 stars. The small MPV Mercedes CITAN Kombi was reassessed and received 4 stars following the 3 stars it had been given earlier this year. The Ford Tourneo Connect and the hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV) both received 5 stars. The Supermini Nissan Note and the Business and Family Van Volkswagen T5 made it to 4 stars. Finally, the Executives Maserati Ghibli and Infiniti Q50 achieved the coveted five star overall rating in Euro NCAP's latest tests series of the year.

Safety is not a Luxury. Watch our new video showing the Maserati Ghibli undergoing Euro NCAP's crash tests.

For more details on the tested vehicles and to watch the crash test videos and pictures, please visit our website. For media information, please contact Marie Brasseur, Euro NCAP Communications Manager.

The new BMW i3, launched in the UK at under £29k (batteries are included)

Today heralds a new era of premium car ownership with the launch of the all-new BMW i3.  This revolutionary car offers zero emissions in a premium car package, yet at an affordable price.

The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system. The result is a vehicle that embodies BMW’s commitment to driving pleasure without compromise.

The use of lightweight CFRP for the passenger cell compensates for the extra weight of the battery, while the low, central location of the battery pack enhances the car’s agility thanks to perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

**With £5,000 OLEV Government grant.

The electric motor generates an output of 170hp, with peak torque of 250Nm on demand instantly. This allows the BMW i3 to sprint from zero to 37mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds, while the lithium-ion battery gives a range of 80 –100 miles in everyday driving. This rises by approximately 15 per cent in ECO PRO mode and by the same again in ECO PRO+ mode.

As a point of reference, since 2009 BMW has conducted research on a global scale with the MINI E and BMW Active E programmes.  A UK government report found that the average commute was found to be 13.1 miles each way, and the average daily mileage 25 miles.

For customers particularly conscious of ‘range anxiety’, the BMW i3 is available with a range extender engine, powering a generator to maintain the charge of the lithium-ion battery at a constant level while on the move. This is performed by a 650cc two-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine developing 34hp and mounted immediately next to the electric motor above the rear axle. The range extender increases the car’s maximum range in day-to-day driving to around 180 miles on one tank of fuel. The BMW i3 Range Extender costs £28,830** OTR.

Both BMW i3 models include a three-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty. The battery is also included in the price of the car negating a separate lease charge for battery, as is the case for other electric vehicles.

The i3 is available with four different interior worlds: Standard, Loft, Lodge and Suite.  These allow customers to change the look and feel of the interior.  All worlds feature sustainable materials such as sustainably sourced wood, natural fibres and naturally tanned leather.

The price for the BMW i3 starts at £25,680** and £28,830** for the Range Extender. However, leasing is expected to be favoured by customers and the monthly rates are highly competitive. Starting at £369p/m for a 36 month contract and rising to £480p/m for an i3 Range Extender in Suite, the BMW i3 is a compelling package.