USA IIHS awards Audi Q range top safety scores
Following the superior safety marks received by the 100% electric Audi Q8 e-tron range, the Audi Q7 and Q8 have also been awarded by the preeminent USA organization Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2023.
In previous evaluations, the IIHS also awarded the Audi Q3 and Q5 with Top Safety Pick+ ratings.
Starting in February this year, the IIHS strengthened its award requirements by updating its side crash evaluation to now involve 82% more energy, compared to the original test, along with a new nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test.
To qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award under IIHS’s more stringent qualifications, a vehicle must now earn “Good” ratings in the driver- and passenger-side small front overlap and original moderate overlap front collision tests, and come equipped with “Acceptable” or “Good” headlights across all trims. A “Good” rating in the updated side impact test, and “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings in both the daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests, are also necessary.
Both the Q7 and the Q8 scored “Good” in all crash-worthiness tests, and “Superior” or “Advanced” in crash avoidance and mitigation.
Class-leading SUV range
The Q3 is an excellent all-rounder because of its space, performance and styling. It is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.4-liter TFSI, four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 150 hp and 250 Nm, and which is mated to a six-speed S-tronic transmission.
Offering advanced features in a luxurious midsize package is the Q5. The model is available in two variants — S Line TFSI with a gasoline engine and the diesel-powered S Line TDI. Both are identified by sharpened styling elements that include the Matrix LED headlamps and dynamic turn signals.
Under the hood of the Q5 S Line TFSI is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine that makes 265 hp and 370 Nm. The Q5 S Line TDI is propelled by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine producing 204 hp and 400 Nm. A seven-speed S-tronic transmission is matched to both engines, and sends power to the quattro all-wheel drive system.
The full-size Q7 provides a luxurious space for seven across three rows of seats, all of which can individually slide forwards or backwards. Powering the Q7 is a 3.0-liter TDI V6 turbocharged diesel engine that makes 286 hp and 600 Nm. Matched to this is an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which sends the engine’s output to the quattro all-wheel drive system.
The Q8 combines a luxurious and generously sized interior, adaptive air suspension and intelligent assistance systems in a body that hallmarks Audi’s design language for its SUVs. Its Singleframe grille is complemented by HD Matrix LED headlamps, Audi’s “quattro” blisters, and 22-inch five-arm star design wheels, among other styling elements.
Guaranteeing the Q8 is as dynamic as it looks is a 3.0-liter, V6 gasoline engine that outputs 340 hp and 500 Nm, delivered to the quattro all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.
