Audi Q6 e-tron clinches 2025 Top Safety Pick+ of IIHS despite tougher criteria

The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just recognized the Audi Q6 e-tron for its safety technologies after the electric crossover was awarded the coveted 2025 Top Safety Pick+ rating.

It serves as the IIHS' highest safety rating, which validates the Q6 e-tron's comprehensive suite of convenient and safety features. Among those is the vehicle's self-driving technology and intelligent voice command that help drivers as they drive to their destinations.

The new Q6 e-tron earned the distinction by meeting the IIHS’ tougher criteria for 2025. This change in evaluations reduced the number of vehicles currently qualifying for the organization’s safety rating. The Q6 e-tron was able to demonstrate this via exceptional crash-worthiness across multiple tests.

Audi Q6 e-tron awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 image

The new Q6 e-tron achieved top ratings in all evaluations, including a revamped moderate-overlap front crash test. This updated protocol introduces a second-row crash test dummy to better assess injury risks to rear-seat occupants — one of the most pressing areas of focus for the IIHS in its latest safety criteria. As a result, the Audi Q6 e-tron received the top “good” rating in the updated test, which is required to qualify for the IIHS' highest safety rating.

Beyond structural safety, the Q6 e-tron was also credited for its safety technologies. These include adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, front emergency brake assist, swerve Assist, front turn assist, front cross-traffic assist, side assist providing blind spot monitoring, lane-departure assist, rear cross-traffic assist, rear turn assist, passenger exit warning, park assist, and augmented reality head-up display.

Audi Q6 e-tron awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 image

Another highlight feature in the new Q6 e-tron’s cabin is the “Digital Stage.” It consists of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch Audi MMI panoramic touch display, and the 10.9-inch MMI passenger touch display. Combined with the top safety rating in the crash tests, the new Audi Q6 e-tron was able to exceed the IIHS' benchmarks.

Powering the new Q6 e-tron is a Permanent magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM) mounted at the rear, which delivers 326 HP and 485 Nm of torque. The model is equipped with a 100 kWh battery, allowing it to travel up to 640 kilometers on a full charge based on the WLTP cycle.