[OHV_44]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

In Europe, the i5 passed the crash test with 5 out of 5 stars. Please see for yourself.

[bayarea328xit]

Originally Posted by OHV_44

In Europe, the i5 passed the crash test with 5 out of 5 stars. Please see for yourself.

Airbag in the middle armrest for the Driver is new -- is that included in the US?

[OHV_44]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Airbag in the middle armrest for the Driver is new -- is that included in the US?

Unfortunately I can't say that, sorry.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Airbag in the middle armrest for the Driver is new -- is that included in the US?

I noticed that about my new X1(U11) as well. In the European crash test videos, there is an additional airbag that pops up between the driver and the passenger(like on the new 5-series)

However, on the US crash test videos conducted by IIHS and NHTSA, that center airbag was missing.

I think it must be intended for European models. So when my 530i arrives, I assume it will also be missing the center airbag just like on my X1.


pic below shows 2023 X1(U11) side crash test. top one by NHTSA shows no center airbag on the US X1. bottom one by NCAP shows center airbag on European X1.

[kenwelch]

https://www.autoliv.com/front-center-airbag

Here is a link for the center air bag. It is used for the EUROPEAN side impact test (pole test) . Not the same test as US standard.

[Evinrude1975]

Instead to put features that nobody needs, it would have been a good idea to get the central airbag as standard equipment

[brumalis]

I think the iX has the central airbag

[Saphirschwarz]

YES ! like the Byd, the Nyo, and the Xpeng !

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by Evinrude1975

Instead to put features that nobody needs, it would have been a good idea to get the central airbag as standard equipment

or maybe the German engineers thought "der amerikanische drivers are usually bigger and more padded, they don't need airbag in the center, ja?" can't really blame if they think that because I'm no lightweight.... in the 2020 5-series, when my father and I are in the front seats sitting in a relaxed position, our elbows touched.... so...

[X3rd Time Is a Charm]

I was in an auto accident back in the 70’s . If the cars had any airbags then it would have helped. If the center airbag was present when i was in an accident back then I wouldn’t have had to have my orbit ( area around the eye ) reconstructed as the drivers head hit mine on impact and crushed my face .We were T-Boned on the drivers side forcing the drivers head into mine .

[OHV_44]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

or maybe the German engineers thought…

Maybe the safety regulations are just stricter in Europe? Who knows.

[530iDriver]

The 5er has performed well in these tests before and for the price and new platform would not expect any less.

[bayarea328xit]

There is a disincentive for BMW to make this available as an optional package in the US (for additional $$, of course) because it would look bad that they are charging more to implement a *SAFETY* feature that is available elsewhere (albeit in some "corner case" accidents).

However, to avoid the additional cost, it is terrible that BMW will only offer this in the US if they are legally mandated to so.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Evinrude1975

Instead to put features that nobody needs, it would have been a good idea to get the central airbag as standard equipment

Perhaps American buyers would then be whining about the small storage space in the center console. LOL.

[440i6MT]

The vehicle is safer: yes
The vehicle is more disposable: yes

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

These cars are very well built & we're now safer than ever before. Just wish people drove a touch better out there on today's roads.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

These cars are very well built & we're now safer than ever before. Just wish people drove a touch better out there on today's roads.

In complete agreement. Current drivers deal with many more distractions. Some distractions are created by excessive reliance on touch controls. Other distractions are an outcome of questionable personal choices.

One of my friends always delays entering an intersection by 2-3 seconds where the traffic light just turned green. It paid off one day when some other driver decided that red lights are merely suggestions at best.

[G30M]

i would expect nothing less! 4.9 stars would be a disaster.

[G30M]

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice