The Audi A7 2022 stands as a beacon of luxury and performance, but how does it fare when it comes to safety? For prospective owners in the English-speaking market, understanding the safety ratings is crucial. This comprehensive guide delves into the 2022 Audi A7’s safety performance, drawing from rigorous testing standards to provide you with a clear picture of its protective capabilities. We’ll explore various crash test evaluations and safety features, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about the Audi A7 2022.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. This test is particularly demanding, assessing how well the vehicle’s structure holds up and protects the driver.
For the Audi A7, specifically models from 2019-2025 which include the 2022 Audi A7, the driver-side small overlap front test results are based on evaluations conducted by Volkswagen/Audi and validated by the Institute. These ratings apply to the Audi A7 4-door hatchback and the structurally similar Audi A6 sedan and A6 allroad.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The Audi A7 2022 achieved a “Good” rating overall in the driver-side small overlap front test, indicating a high level of protection in this challenging scenario. The structure and safety cage held up well, also earning a “Good” rating. For driver injury measures, the critical areas of head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh all received “Good” ratings, demonstrating effective protection. The lower leg/foot area received an “Acceptable” rating, while the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Good,” signifying proper functioning of the safety systems.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Footrest | 7 |
| Left toepan | 3 |
| Brake pedal | 2 |
| Parking brake | N/A |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Upper dash | 5 |
| Lower instrument panel | 3 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 491 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.7 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 8 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 32 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.2 |
| Right | 1.3 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 1 |
| Right | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.38 |
| Right | 0.47 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 3.7 |
| Right | 4.1 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 122 |
| Right | 95 |
About the small overlap front test
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
The passenger-side small overlap front test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses protection for the front passenger. It’s equally important to ensure safety for all occupants. Like the driver-side ratings, the passenger-side ratings for the Audi A7 2022 are also based on Volkswagen/Audi testing and apply to the same model range (2019-2025).
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The Audi A7 2022 once again demonstrated excellent safety performance in the passenger-side small overlap front test, securing an overall “Good” rating. The structure and safety cage maintained integrity (“Good”). Passenger injury measures for head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh were all “Good,” while lower leg/foot was “Acceptable.” The passenger restraints and dummy kinematics were deemed “Acceptable,” noting that while the frontal airbag contacted the dummy’s head, there was some head roll to the right. However, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively. Driver injury measures during this passenger-side test remained “Good” across all categories.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max | 2 |
| Footrest | 5 |
| Right toepan | 2 |
| Center toepan | 1 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Center dash | 2 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Upper dash | 3 |
| Right lower dash | 3 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 312 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.28 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 2.0 |
| Right | 1.8 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 1 |
| Right | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.56 |
| Right | 0.53 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 4.5 |
| Right | 3.1 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 98 |
| Right | 105 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 176 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.25 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 33 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.9 |
| Right | 0.2 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 2 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.32 |
| Right | 0.27 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.7 |
| Right | 2.3 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 63 |
| Right | 90 |
About the small overlap front test
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front test, a significant portion of the vehicle’s front impacts a deformable barrier. This is a common type of frontal collision, and the Audi A7 2022 is evaluated on its performance in this scenario. Ratings are applicable to 2019-2025 models, including the 2022 Audi A7.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The Audi A7 2022 achieved the highest possible rating of “Good” in the moderate overlap front crash test. Both the overall evaluation and the structure/safety cage were rated “Good.” All driver injury measures, including head/neck, chest, and leg/foot (left and right), received “Good” ratings, highlighting comprehensive protection in this type of frontal crash. Driver restraints and dummy kinematics also performed admirably, earning a “Good” rating.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest | 0 |
| Left | 0 |
| Center | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Brake pedal | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left | -1 |
| Right | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward | -1 |
| Rearward | -3 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 165 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 28 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.5 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.26 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.35 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.5 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 47 |
| Right | 44 |
About the original moderate overlap front test
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Test
Side impacts are another critical area of safety evaluation. The side impact test assesses how well a vehicle protects occupants in a T-bone style collision. The Audi A7 2022, part of the 2019-2025 model range, including the tested 2019 Audi A6, demonstrates robust side-impact protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The Audi A7 2022 excelled in the side impact test, earning an overall “Good” rating. The structure and safety cage again received a “Good” score. Crucially, all driver and rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) were rated “Good.” Both driver and rear passenger head protection were also rated “Good,” indicating excellent side-impact safety for all occupants.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact Crash Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -17.0 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 291 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.83 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.41 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 96 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 60 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 126 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.05 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.29 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 64 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 38 |
About the original side crash test
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is vital for rollover protection. The roof strength test evaluates how well the vehicle’s roof can withstand forces in a rollover scenario. The Audi A7 hatchback, along with the A6 sedan and allroad, part of the 2019-2023 model range, demonstrates a strong roof.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,209 lbs |
| Peak force | 22,702 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.39 |
The Audi A7 2022 achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.39, the roof can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight, indicating excellent rollover protection.
Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats play a crucial role in preventing whiplash and other injuries in rear-end collisions. The Audi A7 2022’s power leather seats were evaluated for their dynamic performance and geometry.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The Audi A7 2022 received an overall “Good” rating for head restraints and seats. Both the dynamic rating and the seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective design in minimizing whiplash risk.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Power leather seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 23 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 15 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 10.8 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 58 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 311 |
About the head restraint & seat test
Headlights
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime safety. The Audi A7 2022 offers different headlight variations, and their ratings vary by trim level.
Premium Plus and Prestige Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
The LED projector headlights available on Premium Plus and Prestige trims of the Audi A7 2022 received an “Acceptable” overall rating.
Low Beam Performance: Good straightaway visibility on both sides. Good visibility on gradual curves, fair on sharp curves. Some glare noted.
High Beam Performance: Good straightaway visibility on the right, fair on the left. Fair visibility on gradual curves, inadequate on sharp curves. High-beam assist provides compensation.
Technical Measurements – Premium Plus & Prestige Trim Headlights
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Glare |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 96.0 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 63.7 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 65.1 m | 19.0% |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 70.9 m | 27.8% |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 46.3 m | 41.3% |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 51.9 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 166.0 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 134.4 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 74.7 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 74.4 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 51.2 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 53.7 m |
Premium Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
The LED reflector headlights on the Premium trim of the 2022 Audi A7 also received an “Acceptable” overall rating.
Low Beam Performance: Good visibility on the left straightaway, fair on the right. Fair visibility on all curves. Some glare noted.
High Beam Performance: Good straightaway visibility on the right, fair on the left. Fair visibility on gradual and left curves, inadequate on sharp right curve. High-beam assist provides compensation.
Technical Measurements – Premium Trim Headlights
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Glare |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 81.4 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 63.3 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 58.0 m | 4.4% |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 56.7 m | None |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 48.6 m | 65.4% |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 54.7 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 155.3 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 132.0 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 66.0 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 65.2 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 50.1 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 55.1 m |
About the headlight evaluation
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Forward collision prevention systems are increasingly important for avoiding accidents. The Audi A7 2022 features standard Audi Pre Sense Front.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward collision warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
The Audi A7 2022’s front crash prevention system earned a “Superior” rating. It meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests.
About the original front crash prevention test
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian detection systems are crucial for urban safety. The Audi A7 2022 includes standard Pre sense front with pedestrian detection.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Crossing child (12 mph) | Impact speed reduced by 11 mph |
| Crossing child (25 mph) | Collision Avoided |
| Crossing adult (12 mph) | Collision Avoided |
| Crossing adult (25 mph) | Impact speed reduced by 23 mph |
| Parallel adult (25 mph) | Collision Avoided |
| Parallel adult (37 mph) | Impact speed reduced by 36 mph |
The Audi A7 2022 achieved a “Superior” rating for pedestrian front crash prevention. It demonstrated strong performance in various pedestrian scenarios, including avoiding collisions or significantly reducing impact speeds.
About the pedestrian front crash prevention test
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) make installing child seats easier and safer. The Audi A7 2022 is evaluated for its LATCH system usability.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | 3.0T Premium |
| Seat type | leather |
The Audi A7 2022 received a “Good” rating for child seat anchors. It has 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (easy access) |
| 2 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), No lower anchors available |
| 3 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (easy access) |
About the child seat anchor evaluation
Conclusion
The 2022 Audi A7 demonstrates robust safety performance across a range of crash tests and safety system evaluations. Achieving “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness categories and a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention systems, the Audi A7 2022 prioritizes occupant safety. While headlight ratings are “Acceptable,” the overall safety profile of the Audi A7 2022 positions it as a safe and luxurious choice for discerning drivers and families. For those prioritizing safety alongside luxury and performance, the Audi A7 2022 is a compelling option.
