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    • 2021 BMW 3 Series  RealSafeCars84Safety Rating

    #18 of 2021 Sedan/Hatchback/Wagons

    #56 of all 2021 vehicles


    Pictured: 2012 BMW 3 Series
    The 3 Series, part of BMW's lineup for decades, is a large sedan/hatchback/wagon with seating up to 5. The 3 Series provides superior EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, easing fuel costs and reducing pollution. The 3 Series has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With optional all-wheel drive (AWD), it handles mud, snow, and sand with ease. BMW offers a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic/powertrain warranty on its lineup.

    The 2021 BMW 3 Series is above average compared to all vehicles.

    Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 BMW 3 Series has a score of 84, implying a 0.036% chance of driver death (3.2% chance of injury). If equipped with optional advanced driver safety features, the chance of death falls to 0.031%, and the chance of injury falls to 2.8%.

    We estimate that the 2021 BMW 3 Series has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0362% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 4.1311%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0362% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 4.1311% chance of being injured.

    Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 BMW 3 Series is 22% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, the 2021 BMW 3 Series is 28% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

    2021 BMW 3 Series offers AEB optionally. With AEB, the vehicle lifetime fatality chance drops by 14%.

    Active safety features with BMW's Active Driving Assistant greatly enhance occupant safety by reducing the likelihood of a crash. All trims and versions of the 2021 BMW 3 Series include the following active safety system: Emergency Brake Assist.

    Other safety technologies seem simpler but should still be considered. Standard side mirror turn signals can help when you don't see a vehicle in your blind spot, by alerting them to your intention to switch lanes, which allows the other driver to avoid an accident with you. Standard Cornering Headlights / Leveling Head Lamps points head lamps towards where the vehicle is heading, better lighting the road ahead.

    But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

    9080M.-B. C-ClassAudi A4BMW 3 SeriesAlfa Romeo GiuliaLexus RCVolvo V60BMW X3A. A4 Allroad (Wagon)BMW 2 SeriesHyundai Genesis G70Volvo S60Audi A5Comparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 BMW 3 Series with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 80 to 90. The 2021 BMW 3 Series is less safe than the 2021 Volvo V60, the 2021 Lexus RC, and the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia. It is about as safe as the 2021 Audi A4, the 2021 Audi A5, the 2021 Volvo S60, the 2021 Hyundai Genesis G70, and the 2021 BMW 2 Series.

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