In a strong showing by some of BMW’s smallest cars, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2017 BMW X1 and 2017 BMW 2 Series a “Top Safety Pick”. What is a “Top Safety Pick” you ask? According to the IIHS, to earn “Top Safety Pick”, a car must receive good ratings in five different crash tests — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints, among other considerations.

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The BMW X1 has been awarded for a second time in a row by the IIHS and is praised for its body and structure design, boosting its performance in the small overlap front crash test. In our recent review we found the X1 to be roomy, well made and well appointed if not particularly fun to drive (and departure from the first generation X1).

Since its introduction in 2014, the BMW 2 Series has been recognized by the IIHS every year for four consecutive appearances. The 2 Series has been praised for its body structure integrity receiving a top rating in all crashworthiness tests. If you’ve been following BF over the years you’d be aware of our general love for the 2 Series platform and the M235i (and now M240i) and M2 that it has spawned.

The BMW X1’s and BMW 2 Series available front crash prevention system earn an advanced rating from IIHS. In the track tests at 12 mph, impact speed was reduced by an average of 10 mph. In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 7 mph. The system includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highways Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

The 2017 BMW X1 and 2017 BMW 2 Series provide a high-level of standard safety features including BMW Assist eCall, BMW TeleService, Dynamic Stability Control, Brake Dry Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control. Optional features such as Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning including Pedestrian Warning and City Collision Mitigation are also available.