The BMW 2 Series, a redesign and renaming from the previous 1 Series in 2014, continues to offer a blend of luxury and performance in a compact package. For those considering the 2017 Bmw 2 Series, safety is a paramount concern. This article delves into the safety performance of the 2017 BMW 2 Series, drawing upon rigorous testing and evaluations to provide a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts. We will explore various crash test scenarios and safety features of the 2017 BMW 2 Series, ensuring you have a clear understanding of its safety capabilities.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. This is a particularly challenging test, designed to assess how well a vehicle’s structure holds up under concentrated impact forces. The 2017 BMW 2 Series underwent this test, and the results are detailed below.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap front: driver-side | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
Action shot during the small overlap frontal crash test of the 2017 BMW 2 Series, highlighting vehicle integrity and safety systems activation.
The 2017 BMW 2 Series achieved a “Good” rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test, indicating a high level of occupant protection in this demanding scenario. While the structure and safety cage were rated “Acceptable,” the driver injury measures for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot all received “Good” ratings. This suggests that while there was some structural deformation, the 2017 BMW 2 Series effectively protected the driver from significant injuries. The performance of the driver restraints and dummy kinematics was also rated “Good,” indicating that the safety systems worked as intended to manage crash forces.
Driver’s survival space maintained in the 2017 BMW 2 Series after a small overlap front crash, demonstrating effective occupant compartment integrity.
Technical measurements from the small overlap front test provide further insights into the vehicle’s performance. Occupant compartment intrusion measurements show the extent of deformation in critical areas. For instance, footrest intrusion was measured at 29 cm and left toepan intrusion at 28 cm. However, steering column and upper occupant compartment intrusions were minimal. Driver injury measures, such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) at 269 and chest maximum compression at 17 mm, were within acceptable limits, reinforcing the “Good” injury ratings.
Effective airbag deployment in the 2017 BMW 2 Series small overlap front crash test, showcasing head protection from frontal and side curtain airbags.
Minimal driver space intrusion in the 2017 BMW 2 Series footwell area during a small overlap front crash, indicating low risk of leg and foot injuries.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front crash test is another critical evaluation, representing a more common type of frontal collision where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end absorbs the impact. The 2017 BMW 2 Series also excelled in this test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moderate overlap front: original test | Good |
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
Dynamic action shot of the 2017 BMW 2 Series during a moderate overlap frontal crash test, demonstrating energy absorption and structural response.
In the moderate overlap front test, the 2017 BMW 2 Series achieved a “Good” rating across the board. The overall evaluation, structure and safety cage, driver injury measures for head/neck, chest, and legs/feet, and driver restraints and dummy kinematics all received the highest rating. This indicates excellent performance in this type of frontal collision, with minimal risk of significant injuries to the driver.
Optimal driver survival space in the 2017 BMW 2 Series after a moderate overlap frontal crash, ensuring minimal cabin intrusion and effective safety measures.
Technical measurements from the moderate overlap front test confirm the excellent performance. Footwell intrusion was minimal, with measurements of only 1 cm across various points. Instrument panel and steering column movement were also negligible. Driver injury measures were exceptionally low, with a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of just 122 and chest maximum compression of 19 mm, further solidifying the “Good” injury ratings and highlighting the safety of the 2017 BMW 2 Series in moderate frontal impacts.
Side curtain airbag effectively protecting the driver’s head in the 2017 BMW 2 Series during a moderate overlap frontal crash, minimizing head injury risk.
Minimal footwell intrusion in the 2017 BMW 2 Series moderate overlap frontal crash, showcasing robust lower body protection and reduced injury potential.
Side Crash Test: Original Test
Side impacts pose a significant risk of injury, and the side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in such collisions. The 2017 BMW 2 Series, equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, was put to the test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Side: original test | Good |
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Driver head protection | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good |
View of the 2017 BMW 2 Series and crash barrier immediately after a side impact test, illustrating the point of impact and structural interaction.
The 2017 BMW 2 Series earned a “Good” rating in the side crash test, demonstrating excellent protection for both driver and rear passengers. All evaluation criteria, including overall evaluation, structure and safety cage, driver and rear passenger injury measures for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg, and head protection for both front and rear occupants, received “Good” ratings. This comprehensive “Good” performance underscores the effectiveness of the 2017 BMW 2 Series‘s side impact protection systems.
Post-side impact damage to the 2017 BMW 2 Series interior with door removed, displaying deployed side airbags and the integrity of the occupant compartment.
Technical measurements from the side crash test further validate these ratings. Driver Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was 208, and rear passenger HIC-15 was 325, both within safe limits. Torso and pelvis/leg injury measures were also low for both front and rear occupants. The B-pillar intrusion measurement of -23.5 cm indicates that the structural deformation stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, contributing to the excellent occupant protection.
Driver’s head protection by the side curtain airbag in the 2017 BMW 2 Series during a side impact test, preventing contact with vehicle structures.
Rear passenger head effectively protected by the side airbag in the 2017 BMW 2 Series side impact test, ensuring safety for back seat occupants.
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is crucial for occupant protection in rollover accidents. The roof strength test measures the maximum force a vehicle’s roof can withstand before collapsing.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Roof strength | Good |
| Curb weight | 3,311 lbs |
| Peak force | 16,504 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 4.98 |
The 2017 BMW 2 Series achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 4.98. This indicates that the roof can withstand nearly five times the vehicle’s weight, providing significant protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing neck injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Head restraints & seats | Good |
| Dynamic rating | Good |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good |
The 2017 BMW 2 Series with power leather seats received a “Good” rating for head restraints & seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective design and performance in preventing whiplash and related injuries.
Headlights
Headlight performance is critical for visibility and accident prevention, especially during nighttime driving. The 2017 BMW 2 Series headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level and headlight type.
HID Projector Headlights (with Lighting and Driver Assistance Plus packages or Lighting package)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Headlights – HID projector (with packages) | Good |
| Low-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| High-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes (with Driver Assistance Plus) / No (with Lighting package) |
| Overall rating | Good |
The 2017 BMW 2 Series models equipped with HID projector headlights, especially those with the Lighting and Driver Assistance Plus packages or just the Lighting package, achieved a “Good” overall rating. These headlights provide good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high beam assist further enhancing performance in certain conditions for the Driver Assistance Plus package.
Halogen Reflector Headlights (with Driver Assistance Plus package or standard)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Headlights – Halogen reflector (with packages or standard) | Poor |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes (with Driver Assistance Plus) / No (standard) |
| Overall rating | Poor |
However, models with standard halogen reflector headlights or those with the Driver Assistance Plus package but halogen headlights received a “Poor” rating. These headlights provide inadequate visibility in various driving scenarios, indicating a significant difference in headlight performance based on the chosen trim and options for the 2017 BMW 2 Series.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce the severity or prevent frontal collisions. The 2017 BMW 2 Series offers an optional Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation system.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle | Advanced |
| System details | Optional Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation |
| Package name | Optional Driver Assistance Plus |
With the optional Driver Assistance Plus package, the 2017 BMW 2 Series earns an “Advanced” rating for front crash prevention. The system meets forward collision warning requirements and demonstrated speed reduction in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) make it easier to install child safety seats correctly and securely.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Child seat anchors (LATCH) | Good |
| Vehicle trim | 228i |
| Seat type | leather |
The 2017 BMW 2 Series has been rated “Good” for child seat anchors (LATCH). It features two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware, which are easy to locate and use, simplifying the process of installing child seats safely.
Conclusion
The 2017 BMW 2 Series demonstrates robust safety performance across various crash tests and safety evaluations. It achieved “Good” ratings in critical areas such as small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side crash, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. While headlight ratings vary significantly based on trim and options, the availability of an “Advanced” rated front crash prevention system and “Good” rated LATCH system further enhance its safety profile. For those prioritizing safety in a compact luxury car, the 2017 BMW 2 Series stands out as a strong contender, especially when equipped with optional safety packages and HID headlights.
