Audi A4 and Q5 receives five stars in stricter Euro NCAP crash test

The IIHS determines the safety standards for cars on behalf of the U.S. insurance industry. For this it conducts one front and one side impact test in each case, and also simulates a rear-end collision.

The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed this outstanding collision performance and gave both cars a five-star rating in a total of four categories for the front impact test at 56 km/h and the side impact test with a barrier travelling at 62.5 km/h. The A4 also offered a top five-star performance in the additional category for protection against rollover. Due to the higher centre of gravity of SUVs, the Audi Q5 was certified with four stars in this category but still managed to earn the coveted honour of "Top Safety Pick", a certificate awarded when top ratings are achieved in all three disciplines, with electronic stabilisation program (ESP) offered as standard equipment. This makes Audi the first carmaker in the world to earn this award for the fifth time.

The A4 and Q5 scored 93 and 92 percent, respectively, in protecting adult passengers in the frontal, side and simulated rear-end collisions. Both cars also achieved outstanding scores in child safety - proof of the success of the Audi "Modular Longitudinal Platform" safety concept.

For the side impact test, the Audi Q5 stood out for its outstandingly low impact ratings - its high strength and super-high-strength steel components ensure an extremely stable car body. The risk of injury is further reduced by the networked controls for the restraint systems, which adapt to each specific crash situation, along with up to eight airbags.

In the rear-end collision simulation, the IIHS evaluates impact on the neck and spine. In the Audi Q5, the integrated head restraint system and the optimized design of the seat geometry help counter the risk of whiplash injuries. The IIHS does not test performance in high-speed rear-end collisions. The rear side rails, rear wheels, and body sills of the Audi Q5 are designed specifically to reduce the energy of impact. The fuel tank lies in the protected zone in front of the rear-axle support - and the fuel pump switches off when a crash is detected.

The specially designed front of the Audi A4 helps minimize the consequences of a collision, with foam cushioning in front of the transverse bumper beams, a generous crumple zone, panels with defined deformation zones, and special, deformable attachment of the front fender.

The Audi A4 and Q5 rated highly in the Euro NCAP tests thanks to their efficient standard ESP and seatbelt reminders. Numerous optional intelligent driver assistance systems include radar-supported adaptive cruise control with Audi braking guard, which actively warns the driver in multiple stages in imminent collision situations, the Audi lane assist lane departure warning system, and the Audi side assist lane-change assistant. The improved illumination of the road provided by adaptive cornering light also contributes significantly to greater safety.

The Euro NCAP consortium is made up of international representatives of European transport ministries, automobile associations, insurers and consumer protection organizations. The results find American safety experts in agreement with their European counterparts: the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 are among the safest cars in their classes.