Bragging Rights: Audi E-Tron Becomes First EV to Pick Up IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award
Audi’s E-Tron has become the first battery electric vehicle to receive the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award. However, considering the group rarely tests EVs, it may soon find itself with company. The IIHS requires an automobile to earn high marks in six crashworthiness evaluations, as well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating to be eligible for the commendation.
Chevrolet’s Bolt managed to achieve the necessary ratings in all categories, save for headlight illumination. The same was true for Tesla’s Model S — though that vehicle also received an “acceptable” rating for the small frontal overlap crash test. Other EVs have yet to undertake a full complement of tests, potentially giving the E-Tron a bit of a head start.
That said, the outlet was stoked enough to publish the news on its main site — noting that the Audi performed well across the board, earning “good” ratings in the front driver-side small overlap, front passenger-side small overlap, moderate frontal overlap, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests.
From the IIHS:
The SUV’s standard front crash prevention system rates superior in IIHS track tests. It avoided a collision in the 25-mph test and reduced its impact speed by an average of 11 mph in the 12-mph test. Its forward collision warning component meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.
The e-tron’s only available headlights — static LEDs with high-beam assist — earn a good rating. High-beam assist is a system that automatically switches between high beams and low beams, depending on the presence of other vehicles.
Audi’s E-Tron doesn’t seem to undergo that much deformation in the crash-test footage, either. Even the dreaded driver-side small overlap test (below) shows minimal intrusion into the passenger compartment. The IIHS’ full breakdown also has the crossover acing every test thrown at it, including injury estimates. Audi appears to have done a fine job with the E-Tron, at least from a safety standpoint (the automaker moved fast with a fire risk recall in June), but we’re keen to see how other EVs stack up once the outlet starts shooting them at barricades.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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How does an OEM mess up on headlight performance in 2019? Between modeling/prototyping tools, supplier expertise, best practice/prior examples - seriously, how does it happen? (Clearly it does, but I just don't understand how.)
Looks nice and safe. Pretty neat vehicle. Sure is pricey! But that's probably not a surprise to anyone.