Audi A6 earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, bringing Audi total to seven top-rated models
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Audi A6 its highest safety rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+, making Audi the premium brand with the most top-rated models in 2026.
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What Happened
The IIHS has awarded the Audi A6 its highest safety rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+, making it the seventh Audi model to earn the distinction. Audi now leads all premium brands with seven top-rated models in 2026.
7models
Highest among premium brands in 2026
- Audi A5
- Audi A6
- Audi Q5 SUV
- Audi Q5 Sportback
- Audi A6 Sportback e-tron
- Audi Q6 SUV e-tron
The TOP SAFETY PICK+ award requires top ratings across crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and lighting evaluations. The 2026 criteria are more demanding, emphasizing occupant protection and crash avoidance. The Audi A6 earned 'Good' ratings in key crash tests and met required headlight and front crash prevention standards.
Previously from Audi
Audi's A6 e-tron had already earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award along with five-star NCAP ratings earlier this year. Today's announcement extends the top safety rating to the conventional A6 model, bringing Audi's total award-winning models to seven.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Audi's official releases.
Why this matters
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the institute's highest award, and the 2026 criteria are tougher, making Audi's feat notable. For car shoppers, the award signals that the Audi A6 and six other models offer excellent crash protection and accident-avoidance technology. This positions Audi ahead of other premium brands in safety, potentially influencing buyer decisions.
Terms in This Story
- IIHS
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent US organization funded by insurers that tests vehicle safety.
- TOP SAFETY PICK+
- The highest safety award given by IIHS to vehicles that excel in crash tests and crash avoidance.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.