Brand hub · IIHS data updated 2026-09-04
BMW Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current BMW model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used BMW models where the data exists.
The safest current BMW is the 2026 BMW X3, scoring 97.2/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, #4 of 137 in our overall ranking. BMW has 7 current models in IIHS records, 4 with complete crash-test results; 3 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. Older BMW models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 2.8 per million registered vehicle years, grade A+ on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current BMW ranked by safety
Where two vehicles score the same, the injury measures behind that score break the tie; vehicles matching on both share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other BMW models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 BMW X3 | Midsize luxury SUVs | 4 of 23 | TSP+ | ~$51,300 | 97.2 |
| 2 | 2026 BMW X5 | Midsize luxury SUVs | 13 of 23 | TSP+ | ~$68,300 | 94.7 |
| 3 | 2026 BMW X1 | Small SUVs | 8 of 29 | TSP+ | ~$43,200 | 90.6 |
| 4 | 2026 BMW 3 Series | Midsize luxury cars | 5 of 5 | No award | ~$47,500 | 76.7 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
3 BMW models still waiting on complete IIHS results
These are listed so you can see what has been tested. A missing result is never treated as a pass or a fail, so they are not ranked.
| Vehicle | Class | Primary tests reported | Detail results reported | IIHS award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW 5 Series | Large cars | 3/4 | 3/4 | No award |
| 2026 BMW X6 | Midsize luxury SUVs | 2/4 | 2/4 | No award |
| 2026 BMW i4 | Midsize luxury cars | 4/4 | 3/4 | No award |
Real-world death rates for used BMW models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the IIHS driver death rate study, compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 4WD | 2019-20 | 0 | 10.9 | $22,000 to $36,000 |
| BMW X5 4WD | 2019-20 | 6 | 10.9 | $28,000 to $48,000 |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older BMW model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
Questions people ask about BMW safety
Is BMW a safe brand?
BMW has 7 current models in IIHS records, 4 with complete crash-test records. 3 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current BMW is the 2026 BMW X3 at 97.2/100, #4 of 137 in our overall ranking. Older BMW models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 2.8 per million registered vehicle years, grade A+; that is historical context and not part of the score. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest BMW?
The safest current BMW in our 2026 ranking is the 2026 BMW X3 (midsize luxury suvs), scoring 97.2/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It ranks #4 of 23 in its class.
Which BMW models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
3 current BMW models earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW X1.
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