BMW drivers most likely to have psychopathic tendencies, shows study. Who's next

  • Participating drivers were asked to reveal which brand of car they own. The conclusions, although indicative, may surprise you.
File photo used for representational purpose.
File photo used for representational purpose.

Can the brand of the car you drive also reveal certain personality traits of yours that may not be instantly evident? Is it possible that owners of a certain automotive brand are more careful, or more brash, than others? While perceptions are one thing, a recent study in the UK involving around 2,000 drivers revealed some interesting points.

In the study conducted by Scrap Car Comparison and a market research firm called 3Gem, the participating drivers were made to take a psychopathy test and were given scores between zero and 36. Any score above 18 was rated as ‘at risk.’ Participating drivers were also asked to reveal the brand of vehicle they move around in.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Bmw X4 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 96.20 Lakhs
Compare
Bmw M3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 65 Lakhs
View Details
Bmw I7 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon101.7kWh Range Icon625 km
₹ 1.95 - 2.50 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw Xm (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon4395.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 2.60 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw X5 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹93.90 Lakhs - 1.07 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw Ix (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon76.6 kWh Range Icon425 km
₹ 1.16 Cr
Compare
View Offers

While the avrage score for all drivers and across most brands was below 18, it was observed that those with BMW scored higher - at 12.1 - than others. And in this case, a higher score denotes more chances of psychopathic tendencies. Next were drivers who own Audi vehicles, at 11.7. The study found that these drivers are more likely to display traits such as ‘superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, and a lack of remorse or guilt.’

Interestingly, drivers of other brands scored significantly lower than those who drive the two Gernman luxury brands. The average score for those with a Fiat (7), Mazda (6.4), Honda (6.3), Ford (6.1), Mercedes (5.9), Citroen (5.8) Volkswagen (5.4) and Hyundai (5.3) were deemed ‘safe.’

While the design of a vehicle and the design philosophy of the brand may also reveal certain personality traits of owners, there is a chance that German luxury brands offering louder and more powerful machines may also have an impact on this. Then there are factors like whether one drives a hybrid, electric, petrol or diesel car. The exterior colour of a car may also reveal personality traits with Gold and Brown scoring high on the test mentioned above.

It is important to note here that the study may have a small sample size and that it is indicative at best.

First Published Date: 30 Nov 2021, 10:04 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.