The Newest Audi A4 Defies the Odds to Earn Top Safety Marks
The latest Audi A4 is a comfortable luxury sedan with a sporty character, but is it safe enough for everyday driving? Despite updated crash tests knocking several models down the order, the 2023 Audi A4 earns top safety marks once again.
The 2023 Audi A4 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus winner
As you may know, updated IIHS testing standards have exposed flaws in a variety of popular vehicles in 2023. Even models widely known for exceeding safety standards have slipped as a result of the new tests, but the Audi A4 remains strong.
Earning a Top Safety Pick Plus award for the 2023 model year, the Audi A4 scored top marks in every major category. Even better, the compact Audi sedan earned the best possible scores in every crash testing subcategory. This includes front overlap crashes, both the original and updated side impact testing, and roof strength testing.
The updated side impact test is especially impressive. The newest test nearly doubles the impact energy when compared to previous standards. Furthermore, the crash testing apparatus can now bend and fold similarly to actual vehicles, which means that strong pillars are no longer enough to maintain cabin safety.
It’s here where the Audi A4 shines. With reinforced door structures and a strong safety cage, the Audi earned perfect scores despite the more stringent standards. Keep in mind that this includes both front and rear-seat occupants, meaning that the midsize Audi is a safe bet for the driver and passengers alike.
Advanced safety tech ratings in the Audi A4
Another area where many new vehicles fall short is the function of advanced driver assistance systems. However, the Audi A4 earns top safety marks in this category as well. Both the standard ADAS system and the optional upgrades earn Superior ratings from the IIHS, the top possible score.
For vehicle detection, the A4 shows the ability to detect and reduce collisions at speeds of up to 25 mph. That is the maximum speed for the test, so the actual upper limit of the system’s capability is unknown. At 25 mph, the Audi is able to slow down to just 3 mph before impact. That makes a potentially dangerous crash merely a fender-bender at city speeds.
In pedestrian avoidance testing, the Audi A4 did even better. The vehicle avoided pedestrian collisions through 25 mph. In the 37 mph test, the compact luxury sedan reduced speed to just 6 mph before impact. In addition, the Audi’s ADAS system warned the driver 2.3 seconds before impact, leaving time for a reaction to avoid the collision altogether.
Only 1 area where the A4 falls short
One area that seems to plague most new cars is the headlight rating. While the top-spec A4 headlights earn top safety marks, those on the base and Premium Plus models fall to Acceptable. They show shorter than recommended output for both high and low beams both on straights and around corners.
Is the 2023 Audi A3 reliable?
Sporting the latest version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbo, the Audi A3 is certainly a reliable luxury sedan, in addition to its high safety scores. This particular engine configuration has been bouncing around Volkswagen Group models for nearly two decades, and each subsequent iteration takes it closer to perfection.
The cast iron block is heavy, yes, but also incredibly resistant to internal corrosion unlike more modern, aluminum engines. And considering Audi’s excellent suspension engineering and brake technology, the 2023 Audi A3 is one of the most reliable luxury sedans you’ll find today.
Overall, the Audi A4 is a safe choice
While not quite perfect, the 2023 Audi A4 is one of the safest vehicles on the road today, according to the IIHS. With the top-spec headlights installed, it is one of just a few models to earn a perfect score across the board.
