Well-known domestic auto media platform Dongchedi (懂车帝), conducted a large scale collision test with 30 popular vehicle models in China.

The test attracted nationwide interest as it featured the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, NIO ET5T, Zeekr 007, AITO M7, Li Auto L6, Toyota RAV4, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Maybach S-Class, BMW X5, Volvo S60, Geely Embrand, Wuling Bingo, Changan CS75 PLUS, Volkswagen Tiguan L, Hyundai Elantra, and BYD Song PLUS DM-i.

Source: Dongchedi

The crash simulations were conducted between April and October 2024, and a total of 90 collisions were completed—marking this as the largest single-scale automotive collision test in China.

The evaluation included all types of fuel type vehicles, including pure electric, plug-in hybrid, extended-range, and traditional gasoline.

The testing was carried out by the Beijing Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute (Beijing Quality Institute) at the National Automotive Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Shunyi, Beijing).

To ensure professional and authoritative results, all vehicles tested were randomly purchased from dealerships across the country, representing mass-market models available to consumers.

The experiment included three evaluations: a frontal, rear-end, and truck underrun collisions.

The crash test used a 4-points scoring system using “PMAG” letter-scoring methodology, with “P” (poor) equal to 1 point, “M” (marginal) equal to 2 points, “A” (acceptable) equal to 3 points, and “G” (good) equal to a maximum of 4 points.

Frontal collision at 64 km/h

Source: Dongchedi

The frontal collision test simulated a front end collision at 64 km/h against a fixed barrier covering 40% of the front of the vehicle.

This test evaluates the vehicle’s safety features, including the airbags, SOS and door unlocking functions.

Only two vehicles received the top score in this test, the Maybach S-Class and the AITO M7, with “G” ratings (4 pts).

The Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and NIO ET5T all scored “A” (3 pts). Meanwhile, the Hyundai Elantra, Geely Emgrand, Wuling Bingo, and Changan CS75 PLUS scored lowest with “P” (1 pts).

Rear-end collision at 80 km/h

The rear-end collision test aimed at recreating the crash of a vehicle into the back of another at 80 km/h, with the impact covering 70% of the rear section of the car.

The test primarily evaluates the vehicle’s structure, fuel system, and battery integrity.

In this test, 15 of 30 vehicles achieved the top grade “G”, including Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and NIO ET5T (4 pts).

Worst performers are the BYD Song PLUS DM-i, Changan CS75 PLUS, and Changan Qiyuan A05, with a “P” rating (1 pts).

Truck underrun at 56 km/h

The truck underrun test evaluates a scenario in which the front of the vehicle collides with the rear of a large truck at a speed of 56 km/h and an impact point covering 30% of the front of the vehicle.

This last test revealed wide variations in results among the popular vehicle models, with the AITO M7, NIO ET5T, and Zeekr 001 scoring “P” (1 pts), with severely damaged A/B/C pillars.

Source: Dongchedi

Only three vehicles scored “G” (4 pts), the Volvo S60, Tesla Model 3, and surprisingly, the affordable Hyundai Elantra.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Xiaomi SU7, and Geely Emgrand followed with an “A” rating (3 pts),

The remaining 18 vehicles obtained an “M” score (2 pts), including all three BYD models (Seagull, Qin L DM-i and Song PLUS DM-i), Li Auto L6, Toyota RAV 4, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volkswagen Tiguan L.

Final results

The cumulative score of the three tests reveal a few noteworthy findings.

Only two vehicle models achieved a score of 11 out of 12 points, both of which are foreign branded models: Tesla Model 3 and Volvo S60.

Three models followed with 10 points, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Maybach S-Class, and Xiaomi SU7, the only domestic Chinese brand in the top 5.

Notable weaker results include the Li Auto L6, NIO ET5T, and Zeekr 001 with 8 points.

Source: Dongchedi

Test results highlight the safety of electric vehicles, with no incidents of battery fires recorded in any of the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles tested.

While many models performed well in frontal and rear-end collisions, the "truck underrun" tests highlighted the vulnerabilities of many vehicles in this particular crash scenario.

In these tests, which simulate a car crashing underneath a large truck, several models showed severe structural damage, especially to the A-pillars and B-pillars, which could significantly endanger the safety of occupants.

Moreover, the test results also demonstrated that vehicle price does not always correlate with safety.

Vehicles priced between 300,000 to 500,000 RMB generally performed better in these tests than luxury models priced above 500,000 RMB.

In contrast, vehicles priced under 100,000 RMB showed more average results, with fewer reaching the top safety ratings.