GEELY, GAC, and Leapmotor Earn Euro NCAP Five-Star Safety Ratings

Recently, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) released its latest test results: three new Chinese electric vehicles — GEELY E2, GAC's AION UT, and Leapmotor B05 — all achieved the highest five-star safety rating. This outcome has drawn widespread attention in international media and further dispels the outdated perception in some markets that Chinese EVs prioritize specs over safety.

Euro NCAP testing is renowned for its rigor — its standards are significantly stricter than those of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which permits self-certification by automakers, whereas Euro NCAP relies on independent, third-party full-process real-world testing. According to a March 2023 Financial Times report citing industry research, EU-certified vehicles show an average 33% lower risk of serious injury in common frontal collisions compared with NHTSA-certified models. The simultaneous five-star achievement by all three vehicles underscores how leading Chinese NEV makers have systematically aligned with the world's most stringent safety benchmarks.

The GEELY E2 (marketed as EX2 in some regions), one of China's top-selling models in 2025, delivered outstanding overall scores: 79% for safety assist, 72% for autonomous emergency braking (AEB), 86% for occupant protection, and 95% for post-crash safety. It comes standard with a direct-connect child presence detection system and earned a high 80% score for physical button layout and human-machine interface usability.

The AION UT — a new compact, two-door electric vehicle from GAC — competed head-to-head with European rivals such as the MINI Aceman and Renault 4, achieving an impressive 91% in occupant protection and 88% in post-crash safety. Beyond detecting oncoming motorcycles at intersections, its AEB performance remained robust across all other scenarios — comprehensively validating its safety and reliability as a family vehicle.

The Leapmotor B05, introduced to the European market by Stellantis Group, targets competitors including the Renault Megane and Volkswagen Golf. Its autonomous emergency braking excelled in high-speed and complex intersection scenarios ("excellent" rating), while lane departure prevention approached full marks. In side-impact tests — including both side barrier and side pole collisions — it scored maximum points; its center airbag effectively prevented occupant head contact, and protection for vulnerable road users' pelvis and femur reached 100%.

Dr. Aled Williams, Euro NCAP Project Director, stated: "Today's results clearly demonstrate that Chinese automakers are making sustained efforts to meet European consumers' expectations for high safety standards. Notably this year, several manufacturers proactively embraced Euro NCAP's toughest targets — showcasing their commitment to delivering safer vehicles for all road users across Europe."