The 2016 Audi A6 mainly relied on a “Stellar” small overlap test result, as the car recently received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
The IIHS reported that the A6 did impress in all other tests, getting Good ratings in the moderate overlap front and roof strength tests. But the changes the automaker did in the small overlap safety test, as it turned out, helped it achieve that Stellar rating. Maximum intrusion at the foot rest was measured at four inches, allowing for ample driver space, while the crash test dummy’s head was protected adequately by the side curtain airbags. Dummy movement was also very controlled during the IIHS test, with the risk of significant injury quite low.
As for the optional front crash prevention system, the IIHS gave that feature an Advanced rating. According to the institute, the automatic braking capabilities were able to reduce the car’s speed by an average of 10 mph in lower speed tests, which is good. When it came to higher speed tests, the speed was reduced by a mere 1 mph. Still, that was good enough for the IIHS to give the A6 a solid rating in that category.
It also must be noted, however, that the Stellar small overlap rating only covers 2016 Audi A6 examples manufactured after January.