The Audi A4, redesigned for the 2017 model year and continuing through 2025 models, stands as a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment, particularly when it comes to safety. For prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts focused on vehicle safety, understanding the crashworthiness and safety features of the Audi 2019 A4 is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the safety ratings for the Audi 2019 A4, drawing upon rigorous testing and detailed evaluations.
Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: Driver-Side
The driver-side small overlap frontal test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end on the driver side strikes a rigid object, like a tree or pole. This is a challenging test because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car.
The Audi 2019 A4 performed exceptionally well in the driver-side small overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap front: driver-side | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
The results indicate a “Good” rating across all categories, the highest possible score. This demonstrates the robust structure and effective safety systems of the 2019 Audi A4 in protecting the driver in a severe frontal collision.
The integrity of the driver’s survival space was remarkably well-maintained, as evidenced by the dummy’s position relative to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel post-impact.
The frontal and side curtain airbags functioned in harmony, effectively preventing the dummy’s head from making contact with any rigid structures or external objects that could potentially cause injury.
Furthermore, the risk of injuries to the driver’s legs and feet was assessed as low, reinforcing the comprehensive protection offered by the Audi A4 2019.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The technical data from the driver-side small overlap front test further highlights the impressive safety performance of the Audi A4 2019.
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Footrest | 7 |
| Left toepan | 4 |
| Brake pedal | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 1 |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 3 |
| Upper dash | 3 |
| Lower instrument panel | 3 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 171 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 6 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.28 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 30 |
| Femur Left (kN) | 1.3 |
| Femur Right (kN) | 0.4 |
| Knee displacement Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement Right (mm) | 2 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index Left | 0.42 |
| Maximum tibia index Right | 0.52 |
| Tibia axial force Left (kN) | 2.5 |
| Tibia axial force Right (kN) | 1.0 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 93 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 70 |
Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses protection for the front passenger.
The Audi 2019 A4 also achieved a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small overlap front: passenger-side | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/thigh | G (Good) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G (Good) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
This consistent “Good” performance for both driver and passenger sides in the small overlap test underscores the Audi 2019 A4‘s commitment to overall occupant safety.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Passenger Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 7 |
| Footrest | 13 |
| Right toepan | 7 |
| Center toepan | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Center dash | 2 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 3 |
| Upper dash | 3 |
| Right lower dash | 3 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 106 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 16 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur Right (kN) | 1.0 |
| Knee displacement Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement Right (mm) | 2 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index Left | 0.30 |
| Maximum tibia index Right | 0.28 |
| Tibia axial force Left (kN) | 2.4 |
| Tibia axial force Right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 63 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 88 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 83 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 6 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.17 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 30 |
| Femur Left (kN) | 0.2 |
| Femur Right (kN) | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement Right (mm) | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index Left | 0.22 |
| Maximum tibia index Right | 0.19 |
| Tibia axial force Left (kN) | 1.2 |
| Tibia axial force Right (kN) | 1.4 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 43 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 40 |
Moderate Overlap Frontal Crash Test
In the moderate overlap frontal test, a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. This test is representative of a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight.
The Audi 2019 A4 again earned a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap frontal test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moderate overlap front: original test | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | G (Good) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G (Good) |
This consistent top rating reinforces the Audi 2019 A4‘s ability to protect occupants in common types of frontal collisions.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Frontal Crash Test
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 1 |
| Left | 1 |
| Center | 1 |
| Right | 1 |
| Brake pedal | 1 |
| Left Instrument panel rearward movement | 0 |
| Right Instrument panel rearward movement | 0 |
| Steering column Upward movement | -1 |
| Steering column Rearward movement | -3 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 161 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 8 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.17 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 1.3 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.4 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 2 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.40 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.30 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 3.1 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 2.3 |
| Foot acceleration Left (g) | 63 |
| Foot acceleration Right (g) | 50 |
Side Impact Crash Test
The side impact test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision, such as in an intersection accident.
The Audi 2019 A4 received a “Good” rating in the side impact test, indicating strong protection in side crashes.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Side: original test | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G (Good) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | G (Good) |
| Driver head protection | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger head protection | G (Good) |
The “Good” rating extends to both driver and rear passenger protection, showcasing comprehensive side-impact safety.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact Crash Test
Measures of Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -19.0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 453 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.0 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.85 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.49 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 93 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 35 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 129 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 24 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 6.22 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.83 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.4 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 47 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | -17 |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover accident, a critical aspect of vehicle safety.
The Audi 2019 A4 demonstrated excellent roof strength, achieving a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Roof strength | G (Good) |
| Curb weight | 3,471 lbs |
| Peak force | 18,540 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.34 |
This “Good” rating signifies that the roof of the Audi A4 2019 can withstand forces more than five times its weight, offering substantial protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash protection in rear-end collisions is assessed through dynamic tests and geometric evaluations of head restraints and seats.
The Audi 2019 A4‘s head restraints and seats earned a “Good” rating, indicating effective whiplash protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Head restraints & seats | G (Good) |
| Dynamic rating | G (Good) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G (Good) |
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Power leather seat |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 25 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 14 |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.1 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 64 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 429 |
Headlight Performance
Headlight effectiveness is crucial for nighttime driving safety. The Audi 2019 A4 offers different headlight variations, with ratings varying by trim level.
Prestige Trim Headlights:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trim level | Prestige trim |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | A (Acceptable) |
The Prestige trim’s headlights received an “Acceptable” rating, with high-beam assist contributing positively to visibility.
Premium Plus Trim Headlights:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trim level | Premium Plus trim |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | M (Marginal) |
The Premium Plus trim headlights were rated “Marginal,” indicating room for improvement in headlight performance.
Premium Trim Headlights:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trim level | Premium trim |
| Low-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| High-beam headlight type | HID projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | M (Marginal) |
Similarly, the Premium trim headlights also received a “Marginal” rating. Prospective buyers should consider headlight performance across trims when choosing their Audi 2019 A4.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are tested for their ability to avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles. The Audi 2019 A4 has two front crash prevention system variations.
Optional Audi Pre Sense Front (Driver Assistance Package):
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| System details | Optional Audi Pre Sense Front |
| Package name | Optional Driver Assistance Package |
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
With the optional “Audi Pre Sense Front” system, the Audi 2019 A4 achieves a “Superior” rating. It successfully avoided collisions in the 12 mph test and significantly reduced impact speed in the 25 mph test.
Standard Audi Pre Sense City:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| System details | Standard Audi Pre Sense City |
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
The standard “Audi Pre Sense City” system also earns a “Superior” rating, demonstrating the Audi 2019 A4‘s commitment to advanced safety technology as standard equipment.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian crash prevention systems are increasingly important. The Audi 2019 A4‘s standard “Pre Sense City” system includes pedestrian detection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| System details | Standard Pre sense city |
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
The Audi 2019 A4‘s pedestrian front crash prevention system is rated “Superior,” showcasing its effectiveness in avoiding collisions with pedestrians in various scenarios. It avoided collisions in tests involving crossing children and adults at 12 mph and 25 mph, and significantly reduced impact speed in higher-speed parallel adult scenarios.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchor ease of use is evaluated for the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
The Audi 2019 A4 received a “Good” rating for its LATCH system, making it easier to install child safety seats correctly.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Child seat anchors | G (Good) |
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Vehicle trim | 2.0T Premium |
| Seat type | leather |
The Audi 2019 A4 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor.
Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (easy to use) |
| 2 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), No lower anchors available |
| 3 | Good | Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (easy to use) |
Conclusion
The Audi 2019 A4 demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a range of crash tests and safety system evaluations. Earning “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories, and “Superior” ratings for its front crash prevention systems, the Audi 2019 A4 stands out as a safe and reliable choice in its class. While headlight ratings vary by trim, the overall safety profile of the Audi 2019 A4 is undeniably strong, making it a top contender for safety-conscious car buyers.
