The 2017 BMW 2 and 3 Series models have both earned the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2017 BMW 3 Series sedan improved from a marginal rating to a good rating in the small overlap front crash test, and along with better headlights, the luxury sedan earned a Top Safety Pick+ award. The 2017 BMW 2 Series also improved its headlights to join the BMW 3 Series in earning the highest safety honors from IIHS.
To qualify for a 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five IIHS crash tests, which include small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints, as well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating.
SEE ALSO: 2018 BMW 4 Series Refreshed, Gets Sportier Ride
The 2016 BMW 3 Series received a marginal on the small overlap front crash test because its structure didn’t hold up. On that particular test on the 2016 model, intrusion exceeded 12 inches at the footrest. According to IIHS, beginning with 2017 models built after November, BMW made changes to the suspension and adjoining structure. As a result, there is more controlled wheel movement in the small overlap test and the structure held up better, with maximum intrusion of six inches at the footrest.
The best-available headlights on the 3 Series are curve-adaptive LEDs with high-beam assist, which are part of an optional lighting package and earns an acceptable rating. The 2 Series has its own lighting package that includes good-rated curve-adaptive high-intensity discharge lights. Without the lighting packages, both vehicles earn poor headlight ratings.
The optional front crash prevention system on both cars earn advanced ratings.
