The all-new Audi Q7 can put yet another feather in its cap. The large, luxury sport-utility vehicle is the object of affection for many with love for the four rings, but now it may become the adoration of those seeking a safe place behind the wheel.

That's because the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just gave it the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award.

This is a big deal due to the organization's tougher testing criteria that was introduced when it started doing the small overlap front crash test at speed. Many vehicles can not make the grade.

Audi's Q7, on the other hand, isn't going to have any problems. In fact, scope out how the Q7 did during the most difficult crash test in the business, below.

Please note: IIHS doesn't routinely test large SUVs but in this case did so as Audi nominated the all-new Q7 AND paid for the test vehicles. Clearly, Audi wanted this award to put uneasy buyers' concerns to bed.


2017 Audi Q7 40 mph small overlap IIHS crash test

Overall evaluation: Good



The IIHS' press release follows:

ARLINGTON, Va. — The redesigned 2017 Audi Q7 qualifies for a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Along with good ratings in all five of the Institute's crashworthiness tests, the large luxury SUV earns a superior rating for its standard front crash prevention system.

IIHS doesn't routinely test large SUVs, and the Q7 is the first to be put through the challenging small overlap front crash test, which was introduced in 2012. The Q7 was tested because Audi nominated it for Top Safety Pick+ and paid for the vehicles used.

In 2016, vehicles qualify for Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ if they have good ratings in all five crashworthiness evaluations — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints, as well as an available front crash prevention system. If the system earns a basic rating, the vehicle qualifies for Top Safety Pick. The "plus" is awarded to vehicles with an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

In the front crash prevention evaluation, the Q7 avoided a collision in the 12 mph track test. In the 25 mph test, the vehicle's speed was cut by an average of 23 mph. The system also includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

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GermanNut - 2/27/2016 3:56:34 PM

+4 Boost

Audi continues its record of creating some of the safest cars available. Audi's A3, A6, Q5 and Q7 all received the highest IHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings. BMW only has one model, its 2-Series, that received the highest IHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and Mercedes-Benz only has two models with its E-Class and GLE.

Look for Audi to incorporate this new IHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for the Q7 into advertisements just like it did with the A3, A6 and Q5 previously.

knowitall1985 - 2/27/2016 5:48:32 PM

+3 Boost

This car looks dated already....

GermanNut - 2/27/2016 7:52:54 PM

+1 Boost

Despite what you think, people obviously like it because there is a 7-month waiting list for the Audi Q7.

MDarringer - 2/28/2016 10:54:52 AM

0 Boost

People are waiting 7 months to get the new Audi that looks like the old Audi?

jeffgall - 2/28/2016 11:10:34 AM

0 Boost

I'm already seeing these floating around town. 3 in the last week. Not sure about the waiting list though. My local Audi dealer is showing 8 in inventory. Some have dealer photos of them. Assuming if they have enough time to take pictures, they are not spoken for.

GermanNut - 2/28/2016 3:55:20 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, because while the new Audi Q7 may look like the old Q7 in some ways, it's a different SUV and most importantly - a better SUV. The new Q7 interior is way different than the old Q7 interior. The technology in the new Q7 is far, far more advanced than the technology in the old Q7. The new Q7 drives a lot more athletically than the old Q7 and it weights significantly less.

The sales numbers aren't lying. The demand for the Q7 thus far has been very strong.

knowitall1985 - 2/29/2016 3:26:08 PM

+2 Boost

Nothing but a VW touareg....

mre30 - 2/27/2016 7:11:54 PM

+2 Boost

I'm not a big Q7 fan, but its obviously a pretty good product. Side by side with its platform-mate the Bentley Bentayga it would make anyone question buying the Bentayga. Q7 is a good offering.

Audi needs to fix the 3.0L diesel problem quick, as there are many diesel Q7 owners who love their Q7 because its a diesel and they will all flock to Mercedes. I think something like 40% of the prior Q7 sales were the diesel version.

VW/Audi screwed the pooch on the diesel debacle

MDarringer - 2/27/2016 7:34:51 PM

+1 Boost

Will VW go away and Audi be the standard bearer?

jeffgall - 2/28/2016 11:14:10 AM

0 Boost

Q7 is a great product for families who want a little more room and cargo area. This the sole reason that keeps me away from the X5 and GLE. XC90/MDX/QX60 also get this and are more attractive to families.

knowitall1985 - 2/29/2016 3:26:48 PM

+2 Boost

breaks down a lot........