Three new Chinese electric models received the full five-star rating in the latest results from the Euro NCAP vehicle safety assessment program: the GAC AION UT, Geely E2 and Leapmotor B05 from Leapmotor. The results were released on September 3, 2026, while the article reviewing them was published on September 6, 2026.
The results are significant beyond merely being a marketing ranking, as Euro NCAP uses multiple tests to assess a vehicle’s ability to avoid crashes, protect occupants when they occur, and provide safety after a collision. The success of the three models comes as Chinese automakers continue expanding their presence in European markets, where independent test results are an influential factor in consumer confidence.
Results for the Three Models
- GAC AION UT: Scored 66% for safe driving, 74% for crash avoidance, 91% for crash protection and 88% for post-crash safety. The assessment praised the performance of its accident-avoidance systems in most scenarios, with a specific observation concerning forward monitoring when a car or motorcycle crosses an intersection.
- Geely E2: Achieved 79% for safe driving, 72% for crash avoidance, 86% for crash protection and 95% for post-crash safety. The model is also known as the EX2 in some markets. It additionally earned points for its child-presence detection system, along with the use of physical controls for some driving and entertainment functions.
- Leapmotor B05: Scored 66% for safe driving, 77% for crash avoidance, 92% for crash protection and 89% for post-crash safety. Its performance stood out in the automatic emergency braking system at high speeds and at intersections, as well as in the lane-departure prevention system. It also received full points in the side-barrier and side-pole tests, while the central airbag helped protect occupants’ heads from striking one another.
What Changes in Practice?
The clearest result is that the difference between Chinese cars and their European competitors in terms of safety can no longer be taken for granted. Three different models earning five stars, with particularly high scores for crash protection, gives buyers and car importers a comparable benchmark beyond general impressions about country of origin.
However, five stars does not mean that the models are identical in every aspect of safety. The detailed scores reveal differences in the performance of assistance systems, protection during a crash and post-crash procedures. Therefore, reading the full report for each car remains more important than relying solely on the overall rating, particularly for buyers concerned with specific scenarios such as child protection or the detection of vulnerable road users.
Assessment Context
The source indicates that Euro NCAP tests are more stringent than those of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and also states that manufacturers in the United States rely on self-certification for compliance. This is a comparison presented in the original article and is not a substitute for an independent systematic review of the standards of both bodies. What is confirmed by the current results is that GAC, Geely and Leapmotor passed the European assessment program with the highest rating available.
Dr. Aled Williams, the program director at Euro NCAP, said the results show that Chinese automakers continue working to match the high standards expected by European consumers, and that adopting the program’s strict objectives leads to safer cars for road users.