The Exeo received an overall four-star crash rating (out of five) in official Euro NCAP safety tests, under the tougher test criteria introduced in 2009. Stiff structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs. However, the Exeo scored well in terms of pedestrian protection and for infants in the rear. All models come with six airbags as standard along with Isofix child seat mounting points on the passenger and outer rear seats.

The rear seats also have a Top Tether system which prevents child seats from spinning in the event of an accident. Other safety equipment includes ESP stability control and active front head restraints to minimise whiplash injuries.

With a 460-litre boot, the Exeo is usefully practical and offers identical luggage space to the BMW 3-Series. The boot opening is wide and the rear seats split 60/40, folding down to allow you to carry larger items. There’s also an extra compartment on the left side of the boot and four chrome hooks for attaching a cargo net. In the cabin itself there are map pockets on the front seat backrests, large door pockets and optional stowage drawers under the front seats.