Audi Q4 e-tron And Q4 e-tron Sportback Earn Top Safety Pick + Rating From IIHS

Nov. 12, 2022 5:53 AM ET by Anthony Capretto Crash / 1 Comment

Audi is putting up a strong argument for having the safest EVs around.

A few months ago, we got the opportunity to drive the new Audi Q4 e-tron. From our first impression, we came away thinking the vehicle was a good, if not a flawed, option in the segment. You must start somewhere though, and it is a solid effort from the german brand. To add to the vehicle's allure, Audi just announced that the regular Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback have received IIHS Top Safety Pick + awards for both 2022 and 2023 model years.

This mirrors the award that the VW ID.4 received the past two years, which shares a platform with the Q4 e-tron, and follows the standard e-tron and e-tron Sportback crossovers with the same award. Audi now has 14 vehicles with TSP+ awards for the 2022 model year.

To earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick + award, a vehicle has to score "good" ratings on all six IIHS crash evaluations: passenger-side small overlap front, the driver-side small overlap front, original side, moderate overlap front, roof strength, and head restraint tests. The vehicle then needs to go a step further and be equipped with a front crash prevention system and score "superior" or "advanced" ratings in vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle tests. Then the final and often-failed qualifier is the vehicle must have "good" or "acceptable" headlights on all the vehicle trims.

Audi's vehicles are seriously safe, earning eight Top Safety Pick awards in 2021. The IIHS's evaluation metrics haven't changed from 2021 to 2022, but the institute plans to make changes for the 2023 model year.

The Q4 debuted as one of the most affordable luxury EVs, starting at $43,900 for the single-motor version. It also comes with up to 250 miles of range and two different body styles for the discerning buyer. More importantly, it gives credence to the fact that SUVs are getting better at crash safety tests. It only makes sense, especially as more advanced safety equipment becomes standard on vehicles and the bar can be raised.

The Q4 e-tron is just another piece in the puzzle that is Audi's future electric plans. The manufacturer plans for 30 percent of its lineup to be electric by 2025, with the goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Last year, the company increased electric vehicle deliveries by 50% over 2020, and although that trend has decreased slightly in 2022, the introduction of the new, more affordable Q4 e-tron puts Audi in a great place for 2023.