Chinese trio earns top marks in Euro NCAP’s safety tests
Three Chinese models – the Aion UT, Geely E2 and Leapmotor B05, the latter known in China as the Lafa 5 – received the maximum five-star rating under Euro NCAP’s new 2026 protocols. Another new model, the Cupra Raval, received five stars only when equipped with the optional Safety Pack, according to CarNewsChina.
Chinese manufacturers are strengthening their positions
According to Euro NCAP, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly eager to participate in European crash tests. Since 2021, the number of Chinese models submitted for testing has increased almost tenfold.
Meanwhile, Chinese-made cars already have a significant presence in the European market. Euro NCAP data shows that cars made in China account for 7% of new car sales in the EU and almost 10% in the U.K.
«Today’s results clearly demonstrate that Chinese carmakers are still working hard to match the high standards expected by European consumers,» Euro NCAP Program Director Aled Williams said.
How the cars performed
The Leapmotor B05 achieved the best crash protection score of the three Chinese models, at 92%. The model also scored 77% for crash avoidance and 89% for post-crash safety. In the side-impact tests, the B05 received the maximum scores for both barrier and side-pole impact tests.
The Geely E2 scored 86% for crash protection and 95% for post-crash safety. Euro NCAP experts particularly highlighted its use of physical controls and its standard child presence detection system. However, the automatic emergency braking system showed some inconsistencies.
The Aion UT scored 91% for crash protection and 88% for post-crash safety. Testers pointed out the car’s heavy reliance on the central touchscreen for key driving controls and the relatively low accuracy of its speed-limit recognition system, which correctly identified speed limits in 68% of cases.
What about the Cupra?
The Cupra Raval received four stars in its standard configuration. With the optional Safety Pack, its rating increased to five stars.
The package improves the performance of active safety systems, particularly at low speeds and when driving through intersections. As a result, the Raval with the optional equipment scored 72% for safe driving, compared with 58% for the standard version.
For Chinese manufacturers, these results are especially significant given their growing presence in Europe. The Aion UT, Geely E2 and Leapmotor B05 can now boast the maximum Euro NCAP rating under the new 2026 protocols.
