Updated 2016 Audi A6 Got Good Result in IIHS Small Overlap Test

For those who are in the market of buying the Audi A6, if the bigger discount on the 2015 model seems tempting to you, you may want to think twice now, since the 2016 model has some fundamental enhancements which you should seriously consider.

You may have already known major changes in the 2016 A6 are in:

– Upgraded engine output (2.0T: 220hp => 252hp, 3.0T: 310hp => 333hp)

– Minor tweaks to the exterior styling

– Better graphic chips for the LCD display

However, there is at least one more critical improvement made to the 2016 model: the front-end and passenger cabin structure are strengthened, and are more stiff to achieve the “Good” rating in the latest IIHS small overlap crash test.

From the latest test result published by IIHS, the mid-cycle updated 2016 Audi A6 performed well in the demanding small overlap crash test. The cabin’s A pillar just had a little amount of deformation during the impact process, and the shape of the safety cage is maintained pretty good too.

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For your reference, here are the small overlap crash test rating for mid-size luxury sedan sold in the US market currently:

Audi A6: Good

BMW 5-series: Marginal (the A pillar and the side rim of the safety cage are very strong, however the major issue is the welding of the firewall and floor pan are relatively weak, they are torn apart by the impact force)

Mercedes-Benz E Class: Good

Lexus GS: Untested

Infiniti Q70: Good (although with the same rating, from the test result measures, its structure is weaker than the Audi A6/Mercedes E Class)

Acura TLX: Average (major issue: the A pillar section is not strong enough)

Maserati Ghibli: Untested

Cadillac CTS: Untested

Jaguar XF: Untested

Lincoln MKZ: Average (the result is borrowed from Ford Fusion since IIHS considers the MKZ to be a twin of the Fusion; major issue: its safety cage strength is not good in general)

Hyundai Genesis Sedan: Good