Audi Q4 e-tron Misses Key Safety Benchmark in U.S. Testing

The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted an updated moderate overlap crash test, in which the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron performed extremely poorly. Both electric crossovers earned a “poor” rating and were removed from consideration for the Top Safety Pick award.

The main reason for the low score was a high risk of chest injuries for rear passengers, as well as improper seatbelt performance — during impact, the belt shifted from the pelvis to the abdomen, increasing the likelihood of internal injuries. While head and neck protection was deemed adequate, overall rear-seat safety was found insufficient.

In addition, the IIHS noted weak performance of the headlights and the automatic emergency braking system in low-light conditions. In the nighttime pedestrian test at 37 mph (60 km/h), the system reduced speed by only 21 mph (34 km/h) — not enough to prevent a collision.

The crash-test results are a serious blow to Audi’s reputation, especially compared to the cheaper Volkswagen ID.4, which shares the same platform but sells far better. In the United States, only 6,667 Q4 e-trons were sold in the first nine months of 2025, versus 22,125 units of the ID.4.

Audi plans to update the model in 2026, improving both safety and equipment. However, after such a disappointing test, consumer confidence in the Q4 e-tron may be shaken — even with a starting price of $50,600 and a driving range of up to 288 miles (463 km).