USA IIHS: Audi has safest SUVs

PHOTO: Recognized by the IIHS as the safest SUVs are the 100% electric Audi Q8 e-tron, and the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8. All models are offered by Audi Philippines.

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The leading automotive safety organization in the USA — the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — has once again recognized Audi as having the safest SUV model lineup.  

Recently awarded by the IIHS with Top Safety Pick+ ratings were the 100% electric Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback, as well as the Audi Q8 and Q7. The preeminent USA-based group, dedicated to helping reduce motoring-related injuries and deaths, in previous evaluations had also given the Audi Q3 and Q5 its highest safety acknowledgement. 

The IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating is based on vehicles’ crashworthiness, crash avoidance, lighting systems and other technologies. 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.

Electric vehicles like the Audi Q8 e-tron are subjected to the same strict requirements as models with conventional engines.  

Audi SUVs scored “Good” in crashworthiness tests, and “Superior” or “Advanced” in crash avoidance and mitigation, earning them the highest safety rating.

The all-rounder Q3, midsize Q5, seven-seat Q7 and the dynamic full-size Q8 are all available at Audi Philippines showrooms. Also offered alongside these models are the 100% electric Audi Q8 e-tron 55 SUV, Q8 e-tron 50 SUV and Q8 e-tron Sportback that were launched in the country in August.