BMW 5 Series trails class in side-impact crash tests

The 2008 BMW 5 Series was the worst performer in new side-impact crash tests of luxury sedans by the insurance industry.

The Acura RL, Kia Amanti and Volvo S80 all earned the highest rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to results released today. The Cadillac STS and Mercedes E-Class earned the second-highest rating.

Side-impact crashes are the second-most common type of fatal crash, behind frontal crashes, killing about 9,000 people on U.S. roads in 2005, the institute said.

“Growing sales of SUVs and pickups have exacerbated height mismatches among passenger vehicles, thereby increasing the risks to occupants of many vehicles struck in the side,” Insurance Institute President Adrian Lund said.

All six sedans were equipped with standard side air bags. The air bags in the BMW 5 Series protected the head, but separate air bags designed to protect the chest and abdomen performed poorly, the institute said.

The Kia Amanti was one of the lowest-priced sedans in the group, with a starting price of about $25,500, but it offered greater protection than more expensive entries. The BMW 5 Series starts at $43,500, and the Mercedes E-Class starts at $50,550, according to automotive research website Edmunds.com.

The Volvo S80 also won the institute’s top safety award for overall crash protection, receiving the highest ratings in front, side and rear crash tests.