In a nutshell

For optimum safety, comfort, and absolutely all the mod cons, such as a digital safety system, the BeSafe iZi TURN E-M i-Size car seat has all the features anyone could hope for in a car seat, but it's not cheap

What we tested

  • Ease of installing
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Safety features
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.

Pros

  • Lots of safety features, 360-degree rotation, comfortable, 4 recline positions, 10 headrest positions, removable padded inserts, extended rear-facing

Cons

  • Only suitable for cars with Isofix, heavy to carry around, expensive

BeSafe is a family-owned Norwegian company renowned for producing car seats with impeccable safety credentials. The BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat is an all-singing, all-dancing car seat for ages 6 months to 4 years. It prides itself on being “the world’s first fully integrated digital safety system”. How? An electronic feedback device tells you when the seat is installed properly, it has a level to indicate whether it’s straight, and once installed it will notify you if you child unbuckles themselves. It can even be synced to an app. Coming in at £429, it's premium in price as well as design, costing almost double the price of the Cosy N Safe Morgan i-Size 360 Rotation car seat, at £229.

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Tested by

Lotte Brouwer, mum of 2 boys, aged 10 months and 3 years. She used the car seat for her youngest on several long journeys as well as regular short journeys – her eldest also had a go a few times.

What were your first impressions?

It’s huge! The BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size is much larger than any car seats we’ve had in the past. The seat and Isofix were connected, so it was just one big product inside the box. The seat feels super sturdy and comfy, it has a premium look and feel to it, and is padded to the max – plus it looks hi-tech with sensors, a level to show whether it’s tilted or straight, lights and indicators. Even the straps are next level, as they have built-in magnets which help to ‘click’ them out of the way and stop the seat from looking messy. Once it was all locked in place it was by far the most rigid and safe-feeling seat we have come across. It truly feels like the Ferrari of car seats.

Two images of the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat installed

How easy is the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-size car seat to install?

Very. The BeSafe iZi Turn E-M looked a bit intimidating due to its weight, size, and indicators, but we’ve never come across a car seat that’s easier to install. The instructions were straight-forward.

How do you install the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-size car seat?

The car seat is attached to an Isofix so it only works in relatively modern cars (no rusty old bangers) as it can’t be used with a seatbelt. My mum has a very old car that can’t fit an Isofix and so she wasn’t able to use it in her car.

We have a modern car (Volvo XC90) so it can easily fit an Isofix. The seat and Isofix come as one unit and it’s just a case of slotting it into the car. We found the indicators on the car seat helpful too, as there are confirmation lights telling you when things are in the right place. It took less than 5 minutes and I would feel confident doing it without help.

How does this car seat compare to previous models?

BeSafe has produced other car seats, including a seat for newborns (0-6 months) and a booster seat for older children, as well as the BeSafe iZi Modular AX1 i-Size car seat, which is suitable for use from 6 months to 4 years, like the Turn E-M car seat. However, the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat can rotate 360 degrees so the seat can be forward or rear-facing, and the rotation makes it easier to strap the child in. It also have an alarm to notify you if your child has unbuckled the seatbelt. It’s essentially the all-singing, all-dancing option.

What are the key safety features of the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat?

It has audible and visual warnings to let you know if it is installed correctly. As well as a spirit level to ensure it is at the optimum angle regardless of what car it’s in. The car seat will also start beeping when the safety straps have been released – so, if your toddler is fiddling in the back seat, and manages to unbuckle themselves, you’ll know about it straight away.

While the digital aspect is great in terms of safety features, the built-in Bluetooth to mobile app feels a bit of a novelty and not really necessary. We downloaded the app but haven’t had any value from it.

Other safety features at the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat include the built-in side impact protection (SIP) in the seat shell.

How long is the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat rear-facing for?

BeSafe is very pro extended rear-facing for safety reasons. This car seat is designed for children to travel rear-facing until approx. 4 years old. However, I would say it would be comfortable until around the age of 2. My 3-year-old gets frustrated by the lack of leg room when he’s rear-facing and much prefers forward-facing where he can stretch his legs out and see forwards.

Does the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat rotate?

Yes. It rotates 360 degrees seamlessly – it feels like it floats. This makes it super easy to strap your child in or take them out as you can rotate the seat to face you, which is particularly useful for transferring sleeping babies or toddlers. It makes it so much easier to place them into the chair without having to lean all the way into the car.

The rotating mechanism also makes it possible to lean back from the driver’s seat and strap them back in if they’ve managed to unbuckle themselves, and then rotate them back into the rear-facing position.

What are the unique features of the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat?

The car seat has a lot of unique features. For example, the confirmation lights that tell you when things are in the right place, and the fact that the seat will start beeping when the safety straps have been released so you’ll know immediately if your child manages to unbuckle themselves.

The straps and belt have magnets built-in, which make it easy for them to be folded out of the way when placing your child into the seat. It rotates 360 degrees effortlessly, making it easier to strap your child in and out, and making it possible to transfer sleeping children without clumsily leaning into the car.

And above all, the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat feels very padded and cosy, and super safe because of how big and sturdy it is, as well as the built-in side impact protection (SIP) in the seat shell. The added padding for little ones is great and can be removed as they grow.

Lastly, the seat is a bit raised, so it’s not resting directly onto the car seats which means it doesn’t mark or dent the leather.

How comfortable was the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat for your child?

The seat is super padded, especially with the insert for babies, and even the shoulder straps look wide and snug. The padding is supposedly breathable to avoid sweaty backs, but we found that our baby still got a sweaty neck and head.

How well does the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat work for different aged children?

The seat was perfect for our baby (aged 10 months), especially with the extra padded insert. It was still snug and comfortable for our 3 year old as it was a doddle to extend the headrest and remove the padded insert to make room for him.

How easy are the straps on the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat to use?

The straps are magnetic which not only makes them easy to fasten but also holds them out of the way when placing the child into the seat. The straps are wide and padded, the buckle is easy and doesn't require too much force, and there’s a nice rubber lining under the shoulder straps to stop them from slipping off the child’s shoulders. They are also well-padded so don’t rub around his neck.

How robust does the car seat feel?

The BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat is huge, very padded, and modern, and it feels and looks premium. In other words, it feels extremely safe and robust, and gives a lot of confidence and a sense of safety and security.

Does the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat recline?

Yes – 4 different positions. It is easy to recline, and once you get used to how to do it, you can do it one-handed.

What’s the headrest like on theBeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat?

The headrest feels very padded. My son’s head goes deep into it and is nestled on both sides with wings. The headrest is extendable and has 10 positions, allowing the seat to grow with your child.

Is the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat easy to clean?

It’s not the easiest to clean. While the insert can be removed and the seat can be easily wiped down, there are gaps for example where the seat rotates where debris could collect. That’s by no means a deal-breaker, but be aware of it in case your child is sick in the car.

Is the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat easy to carry around?

The car seat is bulky and heavy and is far too clunky to carry around with a child in it. It feels like it’s intended for the toddler age bracket, and once installed should probably just stay put in the car.

Does it have a sun hood?

The BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat doesn’t have much of a sun hood. It has a winged headrest which creates a sliver of shade, but it’s minimal.

Is the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat big enough for a growing child?

The seat is built for children aged 6 months right up to approximately 4 years, and with the removable insert, rotating seat so it can be rear or forwards facing and extendable headrest, it really is built to last.

What’s in the box?

• The car seat and Isofix unit
• Padded insert for babies.

Are there additional accessories you can buy for the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat?

You can also buy a seat cover and a car seat protector.

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat?

I think it’s worth noting that the seat is attached to an Isofix and therefore can’t be used in older cars.

Who would the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat be best for?

I would say this seat is perfect for bigger babies to toddlers. It’s been perfect for our 10 month old, and we will be using it in the coming years.

Is the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat worth the money?

In short, yes. Car seats aren’t cheap, so you may as well spend a little bit extra and get one that lasts the whole 4 years.

How does the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size compare to other similar car seats?

Product nameWeight (kg)Key featureRRP (£)
BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size15 kgElectronic feedback device to confirm correctly installed. 360-degree rotation.£499
Silver Cross Motion All Size14.4 kgSuitable from birth to 12 years old. 360-degree rotation£375.00
Cozy N Safe Morgan i-Size 360 Rotation Car Seat13.20 kgSuitable from birth to 6 years old. 360-degree rotation£229.99
Brittax dualfix14.7 kgCan be rear-facing up to 4 years old. 360-degree rotation£340.00

Where can I buy the BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat?

Available from Baby Birds, Baby Planet and Little Peas.

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MadeForMums verdict:

The BeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size car seat is the most advanced car seat we’ve seen in terms of safety features. The safety tests done by this company are above and beyond, and you can’t put a price on your child’s safety. It can rotate 360 degrees, is super padded and cosy, and it’s built to last a child from 6 months to 4 years. Car seats aren’t cheap, so you may as well spend a little bit extra and get a car seat you won’t need to replace.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandBeSafe
ModelBeSafe iZi Turn E-M i-Size
Price£429.00
Dimensions & Weight
Weight15kg
Suitable for
Child age (approx)6 months to 4 years
Child weightUp to 18kg
Features
iSize compliantYes
Car seat installationIsofix base
Recline positions4
Height adjustible headrestYes
Features
  • The world’s first fully integrated digital safety system
  • 360 rotation seat for easy access and flexibility
  • Built-in side impact protection (SIP) in the seat shell
  • Additional side impact protection SIP+ with a customized shape
  • Protective and soft headrest with innovative Dynamic Force Absorber™
  • Approved to the latest UN R129 regulation
  • Allows children to always travel 5x safer rear facing until approx. 4 years of age
  • Holmbergs DigitalSafety™ system helps you keep your child safe
  • E-Fit Guider™ assists you install the seat correctly
  • Magnetic Belt Assistants™
  • Full 360 degrees rotation for a flexible usage
  • Adjustable recline positions after installation
  • Optical & audio indicators for installation feedback
  • One-action adjustment of headrest and belts
  • Universal Level Technology™ for the best sitting angle in any car
  • Two-Fit Cushions™ for an individual adjustment to the child
  • 4 recline positions
  • 10-step adjustable headrest to grow with the child
  • Optimal air access through the ventilation system in the back
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