Two new Chinese-made SUVs, the Denza B8 and Hyundai Elexio, have achieved the highest possible five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). This reinforces a growing trend: Chinese automotive brands are consistently delivering vehicles that meet or exceed stringent safety standards.
Leveraging Existing Data for Efficiency
ANCAP’s assessment process for these models involved a degree of reliance on previously conducted crash tests. The Hyundai Elexio’s rating is based on data from its closely related counterpart, the Kia EV5, with additional testing focused on active safety systems. Similarly, the Denza B8’s results partially stem from the evaluation of the Denza B5.
This approach isn’t uncommon: automakers often share platform and component designs. However, ANCAP did perform extra front-end impact testing on the B8 due to design variations, improving its vulnerable road user protection score to 75%.
Key Safety Metrics
Both vehicles demonstrated strong performance across all categories:
- Denza B8: Adult Occupant Protection (86%), Child Occupant Protection (95%), Safety Assist (78%)
- Hyundai Elexio: Adult Occupant Protection (88%), Child Occupant Protection (86%), Vulnerable Road User Protection (77%), Safety Assist (85%)
For comparison, the Kia EV5 achieved slightly lower scores in the same categories. The Elexio’s results underscore Hyundai’s commitment to safety even in vehicles manufactured in China for the Australian market.
The Rise of Chinese Automotive Safety
The B8 and Elexio join a long list of Chinese SUVs that have earned five-star ratings in recent years. In 2023 alone, brands like BYD, Chery, and MG all secured top scores for new models. This trend raises questions about the increasing competitiveness of Chinese automakers in global markets.
“The proliferation of five-star ratings among Chinese SUVs signals a shift in automotive manufacturing,” says an ANCAP representative. “These brands are no longer just focused on affordability; they’re prioritizing safety as a key selling point.”
Future Testing Protocols
The current ratings are based on 2023-2025 testing criteria. ANCAP is preparing to implement stricter protocols in 2026, which will likely demand even higher safety standards. The Denza B8, as one of the first vehicles under the Denza brand in Australia (a premium arm of BYD), will be watched closely as these new standards roll out.
The Hyundai Elexio, produced in China alongside its Kia EV5 cousin, further illustrates the globalization of automotive production and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturing on vehicle safety.
Conclusion: The five-star ratings for the Denza B8 and Hyundai Elexio confirm that Chinese automakers are capable of producing vehicles that meet the highest safety standards. As competition intensifies, consumers can expect even more safe, affordable options in the coming years.
