The Euro NCAP, the leading independent vehicle safety assessment program in Europe, has announced the “Best in Class” for 2024, meaning the models that achieved the best results in the tests conducted in their respective categories.
Throughout the year, Euro NCAP tested more than forty vehicles, and the list of “Best in Class” for 2024 was led by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In addition to being considered the model with the best overall performance in Euro NCAP’s 2024 safety tests, the E-Class also excelled in the executive models category for adult occupant protection, child protection, and vulnerable road user protection, as well as for an effective set of driving assistance systems.
Among compact SUVs, the Chinese Zeekr X stood out, outperforming models from European manufacturers such as the Porsche Macan, Cupra Tavascan, and Volvo EX30. The Zeekr X also won the “Best in Class” award for 2024 among fully electric models.
Among the large SUVs, the winner is the Mazda CX-80, closely followed by the Audi Q6 e-tron.
On the other hand, the VW Passat and Skoda Superb achieved the highest ratings among family class models. Both vehicles, built on the same platform of the VW Group, demonstrated high performance in terms of safety in their class.
Also noteworthy is the Maxus eTerron9, the first 100% electric pickup tested in Europe, which received a mention from Euro NCAP for achieving high scores in all safety categories.
Euro NCAP also announced that the title of “Best in Class” 2024 for small family cars was not awarded, as the models tested over the past year did not achieve the necessary results to be among the best in the class.
“The automotive industry faced a challenging year in 2024, marked by weak consumer confidence and difficult economic conditions. Given these challenges, Euro NCAP finds it particularly encouraging that car manufacturers continue to place significant emphasis on safety innovation and equip their models with the latest safety systems. This firmly places consumer safety at the forefront of car design, as it should be,” said Michel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP.
Euro NCAP also announced that starting in 2026, it will once again alter its safety assessment protocols while maintaining the well-known five-star rating system.
