CAERI Crash Test Results Released: ONVO L60, Firefly, and Volkswagen Models Earn “4G” Safety Ratings

Two NIO models—the ONVO L60 and the Firefly—underwent C-IASI testing simultaneously, both receiving top-tier ratings of G/G+/G+/G+ across key safety indexes.

On July 29, the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI) unveiled the latest results from its 2024 China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI) program, covering the third batch of vehicles tested this year.

The evaluation included nine models across multiple segments—two SUVs, six sedans, and one MPV—six of which were new energy vehicles (NEVs).

The tests evaluated four key areas: crashworthiness and maintenance economy, occupant safety, pedestrian safety, and active safety. Specifically:

• Crashworthiness and Maintenance Economy:
  Four models received a top-tier “Good” (G) rating: Volkswagen Magotan, ONVO L60, Dongfeng-Nissan Pathfinder, and Firefly. The Volkswagen Passat Pro scored “Acceptable” (A), while Tesla’s Model 3 and Dongfeng-Nissan N7 were rated “Marginal” (M). The Maxus MIFA 9 and Mazda EZ-6 trailed with “Poor” (P) scores.
• Occupant Safety:
  Eight models earned “G” or better, with four vehicles—Mazda EZ-6, Volkswagen Passat Pro, ONVO L60, and Firefly—achieving “G+” ratings. Only the Maxus MIFA 9 was rated “M.”
• Pedestrian & Active Safety:
  All nine models scored at least a “G” in these categories. Notably, ONVO L60, Firefly, and Passat Pro stood out with “G+” results.

Notably, five of the evaluated models come standard with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), reflecting a 55.56% installation rate. Additionally, all models are equipped with Emergency Call (E-call) services, achieving full coverage across the board.

Among the vehicles tested, four models achieved top-tier “G and above” ratings across all four core safety dimensions: Volkswagen Magotan, ONVO L60, Dongfeng Nissan Pathfinder, and Firefly, a sub-brand under NIO.

ONVO’s first model, the L60, was especially noteworthy. As a mid-size all-electric family SUV, it scored top-tier ratings in all safety categories:

• Occupant Safety Index: G+
• Pedestrian Safety Index: G+
• Active Safety System Index: G+
• Crashworthiness and Maintenance Economy Index: G

This aligns with the performance of the Firefly model in this test. Previously, only the AITO M9 (extended-range version), priced above RMB 500,000 ($68,900), had reached this level.

The L60 features a full-coverage low-speed impact protection system at both front and rear—designed to reduce structural repair costs significantly. It also comes standard with seven airbags, including a rare 43L dual-chamber far-side airbag, offering enhanced passive protection. On the active safety front, the L60 integrates 30 perception sensors and NIO’s proprietary vision-based ADAS architecture. The vehicle supports end-to-end AEB that detects cars, pedestrians, and two-wheelers in complex urban environments.

Open-access data revealed that NIO delivered 24,925 vehicles in June, including 6,400 units under the ONVO brand. The highly anticipated ONVO L90, a larger SUV, is scheduled to debut on July 31, with deliveries commencing the following day.

As the Chinese NEV market shifts from a performance race to a focus on practicality and family-oriented use, the ONVO L60 positions itself as a new standard-bearer for safety and value. Its outstanding crash test results reflect a decade of NIO’s engineering progress—and further bolster the brand’s commitment to “equal safety across all trims,” aiming to win consumer trust beyond premium segments.