Are Luxury Cars Safer Than Every Other Kind of Vehicle?
Luxury cars from marques like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus are synonymous with opulence, refinement, and elegance. However, based on the latest accident death-rate data, these midsize and large luxury vehicles could be some of the most significant safety credentials to boast. So, how much safer are posh rides like the BMW X3 and Lexus ES 350 than their less-plush counterparts in other segments?
Are luxury cars safer?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released data containing death rates per vehicle model, and the results were clear: luxury cars held the top spots among the safest vehicles. BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Audi models were among the top 10 least lethal vehicles.
According to the IIHS, the BMW X3 holds the top spot with an estimated death rate of 0 per million registered vehicles. The X3 isn’t alone either; the Lexus ES 350, a midsize luxury car, also has a death rate of 0.
What are the safest luxury cars?
The BMW X3, Lexus ES 350, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class snagged the top spots on the list of luxury cars with the fewest fatalities in collisions.
| Luxury make and model (2018 through 2021) | Vehicle type | Death rate |
| BMW X3 | Midsize luxury SUV | 0 |
| Lexus ES 350 | Midsize luxury sedan | 0 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Large luxury sedan | 0 |
| Audi Q5 | Midsize luxury SUV | 2 |
| Volvo XC90 | Midsize luxury SUV | 4 |
| Lexus RX 350 | Midsize luxury SUV | 5 |
| Volvo XC60 | Midsize luxury SUV | 5 |
| Acura MDX | Midsize luxury SUV | 6 |
| Acura RDX | Midsize luxury SUV | 6 |
| BMW X5 | Midsize luxury SUV | 6 |
| Lexus NX 300 | Midsize luxury SUV | 6 |
| Porsche Taycan | Midsize luxury SUV | 6 |
Still, the IIHS reports that some of these models have higher rates of other-driver deaths or fatalities in other vehicles. For instance, the Audi Q5, a midsize luxury SUV, has an other-driver death rate of 21, over 10 times its same-vehicle rate. Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a popular model in the marque’s recent offerings, has an other-driver rate of 10 per million registered vehicles.
Which cars are more dangerous than luxury cars?
According to the latest data from the IIHS, muscle cars are one of the most fatality-prone vehicle segments. For instance, the popular Dodge Challenger and four-door muscle sedan Dodge Charger models took top spots in both the same-vehicle death and other-driver death rates.
| Make and model | Death rate per million |
| Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (Sedan) | 205 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage (Hatchback) | 183 |
| Dodge Challenger | 154 |
| Hyundai Accent | 152 |
| Chevrolet Spark | 151 |
However, it’s not just muscle cars. “Minicars,” or subcompact sedans and hatchbacks, had an alarming number of same-vehicle fatalities. Furthermore, comparing the death rate of vehicles like the Mitsubishi Mirage and much larger vehicles like the RAM 3500 reveals that even with modern safety technology at play, mass can play a substantial role in the outcome of a vehicle-versus-vehicle collision.
What do you think of the latest safety data on road fatalities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
