The safest cars have been unveiled with German manufacturer Mercedes coming out on top of 2024 Euro NCAP tests.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class secured the “Best Performer” prize after securing a five-star in its safety check. 

The stylish Executive car achieved high scores in all four safety categories with a whopping 92% on Adult Occupancy safety and 90% on Child Occupant Safety.

Mercedes also secured an 84% on the “Vulnerable Road User’ test which determines how pedestrians and cyclists are protected if struck by the model. 

The E-Class also secured an impressive 87% on its Safety Assist test to top the scoreboard across 2024. 

The Euro NCAP report published last year praised the car’s vast safety technology as proving key to its 5-star status. 

They said: “Overall, the performance of the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system was good in tests of its reaction to other vehicles, with collisions avoided in almost all tests. 

“A seatbelt reminder system is fitted as standard to the front and rear seats. The car has an indirect driver status monitoring system as standard, detecting driver fatigue. 

“A direct eye-monitoring system, capable of detecting distraction as well as fatigue, is available as an option. The lane support system gently corrects the vehicle’s path if it is drifting out of lane and also intervenes in some more critical situations. 

“The speed assistance system identifies the local speed limit. The driver can choose to allow the limiter to be set automatically by the system.”

Mazda’s CX-80 model picked up Euro NCAP’s ‘Best in Class Large SUV’ award after also picking up an impressive 92% in Adult Occupancy safety. 

The Skinda Superb and VW Passat were voted the Best in Class Large Family Car after high scores in Adult and Child occupant safety. 

Meanwhile, the ZEEKR X secured the small SUV and electric vehicle awards after an impressive 84% on the ‘Vulnerable Road User’ assessment.

Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP said: “The automotive industry had a challenging year in 2024 marked by weak consumer confidence and difficult economic conditions. 

“Given these difficulties, Euro NCAP finds it especially encouraging that car makers continue to place significant emphasis on safety innovation and equipping cars with the newest safety systems. This firmly places consumer safety at the forefront of automobile design, as it ought to be.”

Euro NCAP Best in Class Cars 2024

• Best Performer - Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Best in Class Small SUV / Best in Class Pure Electric - ZEEKR X 
• Best in Class Large Family Car - Skoda Superb / VW Passat 
• Best in Class Large SUV - Mazda-CX 80