The 2020 BMW X5, a luxury SUV popular in the US market, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure driver and passenger safety. As a leading authority in auto repair and diagnostics at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we delve into the comprehensive safety ratings of the X5 2020, providing you with an in-depth analysis based on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This detailed breakdown aims to inform car buyers and enthusiasts about the safety performance of the BMW X5 2020 across various crash scenarios and safety feature evaluations.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver and Passenger Sides
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object, like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car. The BMW X5 2020 performed admirably in both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap tests, earning a “Good” rating – the highest possible.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
In the driver-side small overlap test, the 2020 BMW X5 demonstrated excellent structural integrity.
The structure and safety cage of the x5 2020 held up well, maintaining the survival space for the driver. All driver injury measures were rated as “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of this type. Specifically, the head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot injury measures all received the top rating. The restraint systems and dummy kinematics also performed effectively.
Technical measurements from the driver-side test further illustrate the vehicle’s robust performance. Intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal, with maximum intrusion at the footrest measured at 12 cm, and only 1 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Critically, measurements for driver injury were low: a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of just 114, minimal neck tension and bending moment, and chest compression of 26mm. Leg and foot injury risks were also negligible, with low femur forces and tibia index readings.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The passenger-side small overlap test is equally important for ensuring the safety of all occupants. The BMW X5 2020 also achieved a “Good” rating in this evaluation.
The structural performance remained “Good,” and passenger injury measures for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated as “Good.” Importantly, driver injury measures, evaluated in conjunction with the passenger side test, also received “Good” ratings across all categories.
Technical data from the passenger-side test shows slightly more intrusion compared to the driver-side, but still within acceptable limits. The footrest intrusion was 20 cm, and upper dash intrusion was 3 cm. Passenger injury measures remained low, with a HIC-15 of 114 and chest compression of 26mm, similar to the driver-side results, reaffirming the consistent protection offered by the x5 2020. Driver injury measures recorded during the passenger-side test also showed good results with a low HIC-15 of 49 and chest compression of 28mm.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test simulates a more common type of frontal collision, where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts another vehicle or object. Again, the BMW X5 2020 earned a “Good” rating in the original moderate overlap front test.
The structure and safety cage were rated “Good,” and all driver injury measures—head/neck, chest, and leg/foot (both left and right)—received “Good” ratings. Driver restraints and dummy kinematics also performed well.
Technical measurements indicated minimal footwell intrusion and instrument panel movement. The maximum footrest intrusion was 2 cm. Driver injury measures were again reassuring, with a HIC-15 of 161 and chest compression of 33mm. Leg injury measures were also low, with femur forces and tibia index readings within safe parameters.
Side Crash Test: Original and Updated Tests
Side impacts are another critical area of safety evaluation. The BMW X5 2020 has been subjected to both the original and updated IIHS side crash tests, achieving “Good” ratings in both.
Original Side Crash Test
In the original side crash test, the BMW X5 2020 demonstrated “Good” overall performance. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg were rated “Good.” Driver and rear passenger head protection also received “Good” ratings.
Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion showed minimal B-pillar intrusion (-26.0 cm, negative indicating crush stopped short of the seat centerline). Driver injury measures were low, with a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 77, and torso deflection within acceptable limits. Rear passenger injury measures were even lower, emphasizing the vehicle’s side impact protection for all occupants.
Updated Side Crash Test (Side 2.0)
The updated side crash test (Side 2.0) is more demanding, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to simulate a more severe side collision. The 2020 BMW X5 (tested using a 2024 model, representing the same generation) still maintained a “Good” rating in this tougher test.
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures for head/neck, torso, and pelvis remained “Good,” as did driver and rear passenger head protection. Occupant compartment intrusion was again minimal (-28.5 cm B-pillar intrusion). Driver and passenger injury measures remained low, with HIC-15 readings of 35 and 36 respectively, and torso deflection well-controlled. This “Good” rating in the updated side test confirms the x5 2020’s robust side-impact safety performance even under more strenuous conditions.
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is crucial in rollover accidents. The BMW X5 2020 earned a “Good” rating in the roof strength test.
With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.26, the roof of the x5 2020 can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight before significant crushing occurs. This high strength-to-weight ratio indicates excellent protection for occupants in the event of a rollover.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash protection is vital in rear-end collisions. The BMW X5 2020’s head restraints and seats received a “Good” overall evaluation.
Both the dynamic rating (performance in simulated rear-end collision) and the seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good.” Technical measurements showed favorable geometry with a backset of 14mm and distance below top of head of -19mm, contributing to effective whiplash prevention.
Headlights
Headlight performance is a key factor in nighttime driving safety. The BMW X5 2020 has two headlight variations, with differing ratings.
The trim levels equipped with Icon Adaptive Headlights with Laser Light package achieved a “Good” overall rating. These LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, featuring curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, provide good visibility on straightaways and curves, with only some glare noted in low beams.
However, the standard LED projector headlights on other trim levels received a “Poor” overall rating due to excessive glare from the low beams. While visibility on straightaways and curves was generally good, the excessive glare significantly detracts from their performance and could pose a risk to other drivers. It is important for potential buyers of a x5 2020 to be aware of the headlight options and their respective safety ratings.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important in mitigating or preventing frontal collisions. The BMW X5 2020 offers two front crash prevention systems, both earning “Superior” ratings.
The standard Active Driving Assistant system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests, meeting forward collision warning requirements.
The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system, part of the Driving Assistance Professional Package, also earned a “Superior” rating. It avoided collision in the 12 mph test and significantly reduced impact speed by 23 mph in the 25 mph test. These “Superior” ratings highlight the effectiveness of the x5 2020’s front crash prevention technologies in reducing the risk of accidents.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child passenger safety is paramount for families. The BMW X5 2020’s LATCH system for child seat anchors received a “Good” overall rating.
The x5 2020 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The LATCH system was evaluated as easy to use, with anchors that are not too deep in the seat and require reasonable force to attach to, contributing to proper child seat installation.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2020 BMW X5 demonstrates excellent safety performance across a wide range of crash tests and safety evaluations. With “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories, “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention systems (depending on the package), and a “Good” rating for the superior headlight option, the x5 2020 is a safe choice in the luxury SUV segment. However, potential buyers should be aware of the “Poor” headlight rating on some trims and consider opting for the Icon Adaptive Headlights with Laser Light package for optimal visibility and safety. As your trusted source for auto diagnostics and repair information, cardiagnosticnearme.com recommends considering these safety ratings when making your vehicle purchase decisions.
