2014 BMW X5 to Feature Pedestrian Airbag as Standard
BMW’s third-generation X5, due in late 2013, introduces a pedestrian airbag system in a bid to reduce injury risk in urban collisions.
BMW will equip its new 2014 X5 with a pedestrian airbag, making it one of the first SUVs to adopt this safety technology. The third-generation X5, internally coded F15, is set for launch in late 2013 and will arrive in showrooms as a 2014 model.
The pedestrian airbag system is designed to deploy from the base of the windscreen if the car detects an impact with a pedestrian. The airbag inflates in a U-shape, covering the lower edge of the windscreen and the A-pillars, areas where head and neck injuries are most likely in a collision. This approach aims to reduce the severity of injuries by cushioning the impact and preventing direct contact with hard structural elements.
BMW’s decision to add the system follows Volvo’s lead, which introduced a similar airbag on the V40 hatchback. According to figures cited by Volvo, pedestrians account for 14 per cent of road fatalities in Europe, 12 per cent in the United States and over 25 per cent in China. The X5’s adoption of pedestrian protection reflects growing regulatory and consumer focus on vulnerable road users, particularly in urban environments where SUVs are increasingly common.
How the system works
In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, sensors at the front of the X5 trigger the bonnet to lift slightly, creating space to absorb the impact. At the same time, the airbag deploys around the base of the windscreen. The airbag’s shape is designed to avoid blocking the driver’s view while providing protection for the pedestrian’s head and upper body. The system is intended to work at urban speeds, where most pedestrian accidents occur.
Other changes for the 2014 BMW X5
The new X5 also introduces more sculpted exterior lines, a larger kidney grille and a lighter construction using high-strength steel and aluminium. Engine options will include both petrol and diesel units, along with an ActiveHybrid variant based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. Full details of the UK range and pricing are expected closer to the car’s on-sale date.
- Pedestrian airbag system debuts on BMW X5
- Bonnet raises to absorb impact
- Airbag covers windscreen base and A-pillars
- Designed not to obstruct driver’s vision
BMW’s move puts the X5 alongside the Volvo V40 as one of the few production vehicles to offer a pedestrian airbag. As safety standards evolve, more manufacturers are likely to consider similar systems for their larger models.
