New BMW 5 Series Earns Top Safety Award

The redesigned BMW 5 Series provides better protection in a small overlap front crash compared to the previous generation of the luxury car, which simulates the front corner of the car hitting a tree or utility pole.

"In the small overlap test of the 2017 model, the driver space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of 5 inches at the footrest," IIHS stated. "The airbags and safety belt worked well together to control the dummy's movement, and measures taken from the dummy indicated a low risk of any significant injuries in a real-world crash of the same severity."

When compared to the previous generation's performance in the small overlap test, which resulted in 12 inches' intrusion at the footrest and forcing the steering column back 3 inches toward the driver.

The 5 Series earned essential good scores in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint evaluations.

The luxury sedan also received an excellent rating for both available front crash prevention systems (advanced or superior is required for the Plus designation), both of which eluded collisions at 12 mph (19.31km/h) and 25 mph (40km/h).

Additionally, the 2017 BMW 5 series has two different headlight systems available. The headlights which come with the optional lighting or premium package earned an excellent rating, while the standard ones are rated marginal.