Is the 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback a Safe Electric Car?

The 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback is not just a safe electric vehicle; it earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honor, the 2020 Top Safety Pick Plus award. This designation confirms it as one of the safest cars on the road, joining other Audi models like the A6 and the related E-Tron SUV. Achieving this top-tier safety rating requires excellence across a rigorous set of crash tests and the standardization of high-performing safety technology.

What Crash Tests Did the Audi E-Tron Sportback Ace?

To earn a Top Safety Pick Plus, a vehicle must achieve a rating of 'good' in all six of the IIHS's crashworthiness evaluations. The Audi E-Tron Sportback delivered precisely that, demonstrating exceptional occupant protection in a variety of impact scenarios. These tests are designed to simulate real-world accidents and include:

• Driver-side small overlap front: Simulates a collision with the front corner of the vehicle.
• Passenger-side small overlap front: A more recent and challenging test of the opposite front corner.
• Moderate overlap front: Represents a head-on collision with partial overlap.
• Side impact: Evaluates protection in a common intersection crash.
• Roof strength: Measures the roof's ability to withstand a rollover crash.
• Head restraints and seats: Assesses protection against whiplash-related injuries.

The vehicle's robust structure, which is a key consideration in electric vehicle (EV) design to protect the high-voltage battery, contributed significantly to these results.

How Do Its Headlights and Automatic Braking Perform?

For 2020, the IIHS significantly raised the bar by requiring good- or acceptable-rated headlights to be standard on all trims for the Top Safety Pick Plus award. The E-Tron Sportback's standard LED headlights earned the top score of 'good,' providing superior nighttime visibility without requiring an expensive optional upgrade.

Furthermore, its standard automatic emergency braking system received the highest possible rating of 'superior.' In IIHS testing:

• In the 12-mph vehicle-to-vehicle test, the system reduced the car’s speed by 11 mph.
• In the more demanding 25-mph test, the vehicle avoided a collision entirely.

This system is part of a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that can help prevent crashes before they happen.

What Does This Award Mean for Electric Vehicle Safety?

The E-Tron Sportback's achievement continues a strong safety trend for electric vehicles. Its platform-mate, the 2019 Audi E-Tron SUV, was the first all-electric vehicle to ever earn a Top Safety Pick Plus award. This success challenges any lingering concerns about the safety of EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The design requirements for housing a large battery pack often result in a very rigid passenger cabin, which inherently contributes to excellent crash protection. This IIHS award provides objective, third-party validation of the E-Tron Sportback's comprehensive safety approach.

How Does It Compare to Other Safe Vehicles?

The IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus awards are the industry benchmarks for crash safety. The "Plus" designation specifically distinguishes vehicles that have top-rated headlights standard across all trim levels. Many vehicles may earn the base Top Safety Pick award, but the "Plus" is reserved for those that meet the strictest criteria. When comparing models, always verify if the safety rating applies to the specific trim level you are considering, as headlight ratings can vary within a model line. The E-Tron Sportback distinguishes itself by making its top-tier safety features standard.

When evaluating a new or used car, an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award is one of the strongest indicators of a well-protected vehicle. For shoppers considering the 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback, this accolade confirms that safety is a core strength. Based on our assessment experience, we recommend prioritizing models with these top-tier safety awards, as they represent the best combination of crash protection and accident avoidance technology available.