The 2022 Audi S7 represents a harmonious blend of performance and luxury, but for discerning drivers, safety is paramount. Understanding how this vehicle performs in safety evaluations is crucial. This comprehensive analysis delves into the safety ratings of the 2022 Audi S7, drawing upon rigorous testing and data to provide a clear picture of its protective capabilities. While the tests were primarily conducted on the Audi A6, the structurally similar Audi A7 models, including the S7, share these crucial safety characteristics.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a challenging real-world scenario where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. This test is particularly demanding as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car. The 2022 Audi S7, mirroring the Audi A6’s performance, achieved a “Good” rating in this stringent evaluation for driver-side protection.
Driver-Side Performance Breakdown
The structural integrity of the 2022 Audi S7 held up remarkably well in the driver-side small overlap test. The safety cage maintained its shape, indicating a robust design to protect occupants. Analysis of driver injury measures revealed “Good” ratings across the board for head, neck, chest, and hip/thigh protection. The lower leg/foot area received an “Acceptable” rating, still demonstrating a commendable level of safety. Restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” confirming the effectiveness of the safety systems in managing occupant movement during a crash.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| 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) |
For a deeper technical understanding, the measurements from the test provide granular data on occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury metrics.
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Footrest (cm) | 7 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 3 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 2 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 5 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 3 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | 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 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
Passenger safety is equally critical, and the 2022 Audi S7 was also evaluated for passenger-side small overlap protection. Similar to the driver-side performance, the 2022 Audi S7 secured a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap test, assuring a high level of protection for front occupants.
Passenger-Side Performance Highlights
The passenger-side small overlap test further validated the robust construction of the 2022 Audi S7. The structure and safety cage earned a “Good” rating. Passenger injury measures were also predominantly “Good” for head, neck, chest, and hip/thigh. However, the lower leg/foot area for the passenger received an “Acceptable” rating. In the area of passenger restraints and dummy kinematics, an “Acceptable” rating was noted because the dummy’s head, while contacting the frontal airbag, exhibited some roll to the right, potentially increasing vulnerability. The side curtain airbag, however, was confirmed to provide sufficient coverage. Importantly, driver injury measures in the passenger-side test remained “Good” across all categories, demonstrating consistent protection for both front occupants.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| 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) |
Detailed technical measurements for the passenger-side test are provided below for in-depth analysis.
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Passenger Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 2 |
| Footrest (cm) | 5 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 2 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 1 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Center dash (cm) | 2 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 1 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 3 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 3 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | 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 in Passenger-Side Test
| Evaluation criteria | 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 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
The moderate overlap front crash test represents a more traditional frontal impact scenario, involving a larger portion of the vehicle’s front. The 2022 Audi S7, mirroring the A6, once again demonstrated exemplary safety performance, achieving a “Good” overall rating.
Performance in Moderate Overlap Front Test
In the moderate overlap front test, the 2022 Audi S7 showed excellent structural integrity and occupant protection. Both structure and safety cage were rated “Good.” Driver injury measures were also “Good” across all categories, including head, neck, chest, and leg/foot (both left and right). Driver restraints and dummy kinematics also received a “Good” rating, highlighting the effectiveness of the vehicle’s overall frontal crash protection system.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front Test
| 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 technical measurements for the moderate overlap front test are detailed below.
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 0 |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Center (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | -1 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | -1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -3 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | 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 |
Side Impact Crash Test
Side impacts are another significant concern in vehicle safety. The 2022 Audi S7 was subjected to the side impact test, and it earned the highest rating of “Good,” indicating robust protection in side collision scenarios.
Side Impact Performance Analysis
The 2022 Audi S7 demonstrated exceptional side impact protection. The overall evaluation, structure and safety cage, driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg), driver head protection, rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg), and rear passenger head protection all received “Good” ratings. This comprehensive “Good” performance across all aspects of the side impact test underscores the vehicle’s ability to safeguard occupants in side collisions.
Technical Measurements: Side Impact Crash Test
| 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) |
Detailed technical measurements from the side impact test provide further insights.
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Test ID | VTS1904 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -17.0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | 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
| Evaluation criteria | 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 |
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is crucial for rollover protection. The 2022 Audi S7, like the A6 and A7 models, achieved a “Good” rating in the roof strength test, indicating a strong roof capable of withstanding significant force in a rollover accident.
Roof Strength Performance
The 2022 Audi S7’s roof demonstrated excellent strength, earning a “Good” overall evaluation. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.39, the roof can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight, providing significant protection in rollover scenarios.
Technical Measurements: Roof Strength Test
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,209 lbs |
| Peak force | 22,702 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.39 |
Head Restraints & Seats
Effective head restraints and seats are vital in preventing whiplash and other injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2022 Audi S7’s power leather seats and head restraints received a “Good” overall rating, indicating effective design and performance.
Head Restraints and Seats Performance
The 2022 Audi S7’s head restraints and seats performed admirably in dynamic testing and geometric evaluations, both achieving “Good” ratings. This ensures good protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Technical measurements for the head restraints and seats are provided below.
| 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 |
Headlights
Visibility is a critical factor in accident prevention, and headlight performance plays a key role. The 2022 Audi S7 offers different headlight variations, and evaluations show “Acceptable” ratings for both LED projector and LED reflector types available on different trims.
Headlight Performance Analysis
Both the LED projector headlights (available on Premium Plus and Prestige trims) and LED reflector headlights (Premium trim) on the 2022 Audi S7 received “Acceptable” overall ratings. The LED projector type with high-beam assist showed good visibility on straightaways and curves in low-beam mode, and fair to inadequate visibility in high-beam mode. High-beam assist compensates for some limitations. The LED reflector headlights also with high-beam assist provided good visibility on the straightaway and fair visibility on curves in low-beam, and fair to inadequate in high-beam mode, with high-beam assist providing compensation. Glare was noted as a factor with both headlight types.
Technical Measurements: LED Projector Headlights (Premium Plus & Prestige trims)
Alt Text: 2022 Audi S7 low beam headlight performance: Chart showing good low beam illumination on straightaways and gradual curves, fair on sharp curves, and some glare.
Alt Text: 2022 Audi S7 high beam headlight performance: Chart showing good high beam illumination on the right straightaway, fair on the left straightaway and gradual curves, and inadequate on sharp curves.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
LOW BEAMS – LED Projector
| Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Amount glare exceeded threshold | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 – LED Projector
| 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 |
Technical Measurements: LED Reflector Headlights (Premium trim)
Alt Text: 2022 Audi S7 low beam reflector headlight performance: Chart showing good low beam illumination on the left straightaway, fair on the right straightaway and curves, and some glare.
Alt Text: 2022 Audi S7 high beam reflector headlight performance: Chart showing good high beam illumination on the right straightaway, fair on the left straightaway and gradual curves, and inadequate on sharp curves.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
LOW BEAMS – LED Reflector
| Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Amount glare exceeded threshold | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 – LED Reflector
| 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 |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Advanced safety features are increasingly important, and front crash prevention systems are key to mitigating accidents. The 2022 Audi S7 comes standard with Audi Pre Sense Front, a system that earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention Performance
The standard Audi Pre Sense Front system on the 2022 Audi S7 excels in preventing vehicle-to-vehicle front crashes. It meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, achieving a “Superior” rating.
System Details and Evaluation
| System details | Standard Audi Pre Sense Front |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian safety is also a critical aspect of modern vehicle safety systems. The 2022 Audi S7’s Pre sense front system also includes pedestrian detection and prevention capabilities, earning a “Superior” rating in daytime pedestrian front crash prevention.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention Performance
The 2022 Audi S7’s standard Pre sense front system demonstrated “Superior” performance in pedestrian front crash prevention during daytime testing. In tests involving a crossing child, the system significantly reduced impact speed or avoided collision. For crossing adults, collisions were avoided or impact speed was substantially reduced. In the parallel adult scenario, collisions were avoided at lower speeds and impact speed was significantly reduced at higher speeds, with warnings issued well in advance of potential impact.
System Details and Evaluation
| System details | Standard Pre sense front |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
Pedestrian Test Performance
| Scenario | Test Speed | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 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, warning issued 2.3 seconds before impact |
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child seat safety and ease of installation are essential. The 2022 Audi S7 features LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) and has been rated “Good+” for its child seat anchors, indicating ease of use and secure installation.
LATCH System Ease of Use
The LATCH system in the 2022 Audi S7 received a “Good” overall rating, signifying user-friendly child seat anchor points. The vehicle offers two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. Detailed evaluations indicate easy-to-find tether anchor locations and lower anchors that are not too deep in the seat, requiring minimal force to attach to and easy maneuverability around the anchors in designated positions.
Child Seat Anchor Details and Ratings
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good | Tether anchor: easy-to-find location, no confusion; Lower anchors: not too deep, not too much force needed, easy to maneuver |
| 2 | Not Rated | Tether anchor: easy-to-find location, no confusion; Lower anchors: none available |
| 3 | Good | Tether anchor: easy-to-find location, no confusion; Lower anchors: not too deep, not too much force needed, easy to maneuver |
Conclusion
The 2022 Audi S7 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, evidenced by its comprehensive “Good” ratings in various crash tests and “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention systems. While headlight performance is rated “Acceptable,” the vehicle overall provides a high level of occupant protection and accident mitigation features. For drivers prioritizing safety alongside luxury and performance, the 2022 Audi S7 stands as a compelling option.
