BMW X2 Fails To Score An Award With The IIHS Over Head Restraints

The BMW X2 was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and failed to score not only the top rating, but the Top Safety Pick award, too.

That’s despite achieving ‘Good’ ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and even in the challenging small overlap front, both on the driver’s side and on the passenger side.

What kept it from nailing it with the IIHS were the head restraints, noted as ‘Acceptable’ by the safety specialist, which explains: “The lack of a good head restraint rating is unusual. The X2 is one of only four 2018 vehicles with an acceptable rating; the other 1818 tested models earn a good rating.”

BMW has, however, taken notice of the result, notifying the IIHS of so-called “planned improvements”. As a result, the X2 will be tested again in September.

Also Watch: Consumer Reports Says BMW X2 Is More Hatch Than SUV

In order to qualify for a Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle needs to achieve ‘Good’ ratings in all five crash worthiness tests, including the seats and head restraints that protect against whiplash in the event of a rear crash. Also, the car needs an ‘Advanced’ or ‘Superior’ front crash prevention, and ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Good’ headlights, even as an optional extra.

For the Top Safety Pick+ rating, the vehicle needs all of the aforementioned ratings, plus ‘Good’ headlights.

BMW launched the X2 in the United States earlier this year. For the moment, it’s only available in the 28i flavor, with front- or all-wheel drive, which uses a 228hp turbo’d 2.0-liter engine. Pricing starts at $36,400 for the sDrive and $38,400 for the xDrive AWD.