Overview
- ANCAP awarded maximum five-star ratings to the GAC Aion UT, BYD M9 and Xpeng X9 after testing published on Monday, while noting deductions for touchscreen-reliant controls.
- The Aion UT and Xpeng X9 scored just 20 percent in the driving-controls assessment because key functions such as indicators, wipers, hazard lights and mirror adjustment are accessed only through their central screens.
- ANCAP found the Xpeng X9’s driver-monitoring system could detect fatigue but not phone use, a shortfall that reduced its Safe Driving score alongside speed-assist limitations.
- Strong crash protection and battery performance carried the three models to five stars, with high marks in frontal and side impacts and successful battery cell-pierce testing to limit fire risk.
- Euro NCAP’s 2026 Safe Driving protocol is influencing manufacturer choices, creating pressure to restore physical buttons or offer region-specific hardware to protect ratings and lower driver distraction.