2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Audi Q6 e-tron with self-driving, voice command features
Preeminent US organization Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the new Audi Q6 e-tron its coveted 2025 Top Safety Pick+ rating.
IIHS’ highest safety rating validates the new Q6 e-tron’s comprehensive array of convenience and safety features, chief among which are the model’s self-driving technology and intelligent voice command.
The new Q6 e-tron earned the distinction by meeting the IIHS’ tougher criteria for 2025. This change in evaluations reduced the number of vehicles currently qualifying for the organization’s safety rating.
In securing the Top Safety Pick+ rating, the new Q6 e-tron demonstrated exceptional crashworthiness across multiple tests.
The new Q6 e-tron achieved top ratings in all evaluations, including a revamped moderate-overlap front crash test. This updated protocol introduces a second-row crash test dummy to better assess injury risks to rear-seat occupants — one of the most pressing areas of focus for the IIHS in its latest safety criteria.
The new Q6 e-tron received the top “good” rating in the updated test, which is required to qualify for IIHS’ highest rating.
Beyond structural performance, also credited in the rating are the new Q6 e-tron’s safety technologies. These include adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, front emergency brake assist, swerve Assist, front turn assist, front cross traffic assist, side assist providing blind spot monitoring, lane-departure assist, rear cross-traffic assist, rear turn assist, passenger exit warning, park assist, and augmented reality head-up display.
To qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn “good” ratings in the small overlap front and updated side crash tests, and at least an “acceptable” performance in pedestrian crash prevention systems under both day and night conditions. It must also offer acceptable or good-rated headlights across all trims.
The new Q6 e-tron exceeded IIHS’ benchmarks.
Powering the new Q6 e-tron is a Permanent magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM) mounted at the rear, which delivers 326 horsepower and 485 Nm of torque. The model is equipped with a 100 kWh battery, allowing it to travel up to 640 kilometers on a full charge (as WLTP-rated).
A highlight feature in the new Q6 e-tron’s cabin is the “Digital Stage.” It consists of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch Audi MMI panoramic touch display, and the 10.9-inch MMI passenger touch display.
The MMI panoramic display provides access to infotainment, climate, navigation, and smartphone functions. The MMI passenger display lets the front-seat occupant manage navigation and entertainment options without distracting the driver — another safety feature.
