The all-new Audi Q7 can put yet another feather in its cap. The large, luxury sport-utility vehicle is the object of affection for many with love for the four rings, but now it may become the adoration of those seeking a safe place behind the wheel.

That's because the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just gave it the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award.

This is a big deal due to the organization's tougher testing criteria that was introduced when it started doing the small overlap front crash test at speed. Many vehicles can not make the grade.

Audi's Q7, on the other hand, isn't going to have any problems. In fact, scope out how the Q7 did during the most difficult crash test in the business, below.

Please note: IIHS doesn't routinely test large SUVs but in this case did so as Audi nominated the all-new Q7 AND paid for the test vehicles. Clearly, Audi wanted this award to put uneasy buyers' concerns to bed.


2017 Audi Q7 40 mph small overlap IIHS crash test

Overall evaluation: Good

ARLINGTON, Va. — The redesigned 2017 Audi Q7 qualifies for a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Along with good ratings in all five of the Institute's crashworthiness tests, the large luxury SUV earns a superior rating for its standard front crash prevention system.

IIHS doesn't routinely test large SUVs, and the Q7 is the first to be put through the challenging small overlap front crash test, which was introduced in 2012. The Q7 was tested because Audi nominated it for Top Safety Pick+ and paid for the vehicles used.

In 2016, vehicles qualify for Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ if they have good ratings in all five crashworthiness evaluations — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints, as well as an available front crash prevention system. If the system earns a basic rating, the vehicle qualifies for Top Safety Pick. The "plus" is awarded to vehicles with an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

In the front crash prevention evaluation, the Q7 avoided a collision in the 12 mph track test. In the 25 mph test, the vehicle's speed was cut by an average of 23 mph. The system also includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.