The safest cars: Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb and Mercedes E-Class

As new research reveals the safest cars on the market, Katy Ward looks at the models that will keep you protected.

New research has found that the Mercedes E-Class is the safest car model.

According to data from What Car? magazine, this is the most dependable vehicle in the UK.

The researchers praised its “exemplary protection”.

The test criteria

Under the full five-star European New Car Assessment programme, the experts tested for various issues.

Those are adult occupant protection, child occupant safety, pedestrian protection, and safety assist, which is an assessment of the technology included in the vehicle.

Tests also included how well vehicles avoided collisions with motorcyclists and vulnerable road users when another vehicle is turning at a right junction.

To bag the gold standard, motors also needed a driver monitoring system, which provides an alert against drowsiness or a lack of attention.

The data was then used to give the cars a score out of 400.

Some 41 new models were involved in the testing.

The winners

9= Volkswagen Passat

According to the experts at What Car?, the Passat achieved an adult occupant protection rating 93%, scoring slightly lower for child protection at 87%.

Pedestrian protection was 82% and Safety Assist stood at 80%.

Its automatic emergency braking system (AEB) also works well at detecting pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, the researchers found.

9= The Skoda Superb

This model shares its platform with the Volkswagen Passat but is available as both a hatchback and an estate.

It bagged a score of 342/400.

It received 93% for adult protection, 87% for children, 82% for pedestrians and 80% on safety assist.

9= Mercedes EQE

According to the data, this model offers excellent child occupant protection (90%) and strong AEB.

With a real-world range of 325 miles, it surpasses the Tesla Model 3 Long Range by five miles.

The EQE includes automatic airbag deactivation and advanced driver-assistance systems for enhanced safety.

It scored 87% on adult occupancy, 80% on pedestrians and 85% on safety assist.

8. Mazda CX-80

The Mazda CX-80 bagged a score of 343/400.

 It earned full marks for safeguarding six and 11-year-olds in crash tests.

Despite its size, it minimises harm in head-on collisions, protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

Additional safety features include a driver monitoring system for fatigue detection and an assistance system to alert drivers to speed limits.

Overall, the vehicle bagged 92% for adult occupancy and 84% for pedestrians.

=6: Zeekr 001

According to the researchers, the Zeekr 001 is a ‘pure electric estate car’, scoring 344/400.

It achieved 89% for adult occupant protection, 88% for child occupants, 84% for pedestrian safety, and 83% for Safety Assist.

The 001 performed well in frontal crash tests and earned full points in side-barrier collisions.

= 4 Smart #3

The model includes an AEB system that detects cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles.

A driver monitoring system helps prevent accidents by identifying fatigue and inattention.

The car also features high-rated crash protection, scoring 90% for adults and 86% for children.

Pedestrian safety was at 84% and Safety Assist stood at 85%.

= 4: NIO ET5

The electric estate is set to launch in the UK in early 2025.

It has a score of 96% adult occupant protection, with child occupant protection at 85%.

Pedestrian protection is rated at 83%.

The car also detects pedestrians, children and motorcyclists in different conditions.

Its lane-keeping system provides good support without being overly intrusive.

However, one downside reported by the experts is the detection of cyclists riding alongside the car.

3: Volkswagen ID 7

The Volkswagen ID 7 scores 346 out of 400, bagging full marks in the full-width frontal crash test.

The car features a pop-up bonnet to reduce pedestrian and cyclist head injuries.

Its crash avoidance system detects and avoids motorcyclists.

The active driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping, are more refined and less intrusive than previous versions.

2: Zeekr X

The Zeekr X excels in crash safety, earning full marks in the side impact test.

 In frontal collisions, it showed a controlled response, minimising the impact on other vehicles.

The AEB system successfully prevented collisions with cyclists in all test scenarios, achieving the highest possible score.

Additionally, the vehicle includes a safe-exit system that stops front-seat passengers from unintentionally opening their doors into the path of approaching cyclists.

The Zeekr model also includes post-impact automatic braking, reducing the risk of secondary collisions.

In emergency situations, the car allows doors to be opened and electric windows to function even after being submerged in water.

It achieved 91% for adult occupancy and 90% for child.

1: Mercedes E-Class

Ranked as What Car’s winner, The Mercedes E-Class came out with a score of 353/400.

This included 92% for adult protection, 90% for child protection, 84% for pedestrian safety and 87% for Safety Assist.

It includes AEB that detects pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Additional safety tech includes cyclist warnings and child presence alerts.

Have your say

Have you ever used any of the brands on the list? What were your experiences?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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