Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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Sideview camera 'lets the driver view oncoming traffic when trying to enter a road from, say, an alley or garage exit'
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and rear side airbags, knee airbags, and curtain side airbags
Head-up display 'is easily legible'
SAFETY | 10 out of 10
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NHTSA
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IIHS
Sideview camera 'lets the driver view oncoming traffic when trying to enter a road from, say, an alley or garage exit'
Motor Trend
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and rear side airbags, knee airbags, and curtain side airbags
Consumer Guide
Head-up display 'is easily legible'
Motor Trend
Mostly because the BMW 7-Series is a relatively rare (and very expensive model), it hasn't been crash-tested by either of the U.S. safety agencies in its current generation. But the 7-Series' reputation for providing some of the best occupant safety--as well as some of the most advanced safety technology in the world--makes it a very safe bet.
Every 7-Series gets standard front, side, and side-curtain airbags; rear-seat side airbags; front-seat active head restraints; and knee airbags. Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, of course, and BMW also fits a rearview camera, a front-view 180-degree camera, and parking sensors to assist drivers in keeping the 7-Series clear of parking-lot trouble.
New for 2013 is an Enhanced Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go, which will bring the vehicle to a complete stop if the driver doesn't react to stopped traffic in time. Also, a standard Attention Assist system monitors the driver's behavior and displays a coffee cup if it detects an unsafe level of fatigue.
All-wheel-drive models of the 7-Series include standard hill descent control--in this case, not for amazing off-road traction, but for controlling the car on icy, messy roads.
A Driver Assistance Package remains available, bundling together blind-spot detection, a lane-departure warning system (which vibrates the steering wheel when the car drifts from its lane) and automatic high-beam headlights.
As much as we like the available head-up display in the 7-Series (it's better done than efforts from other automakers), we'd probably skip simply because it tends to clutter the view of the road ahead. As does the night-vision system, which may prove as distracting as it is helpful.
Conclusion
The 2013 BMW 7-Series has a good track record for safety, as well as a strong set of advanced safety technology.
