Comparing luxury cars to cheaper ones is like comparing apples to oranges. The latest technology in luxury automobiles goes far beyond that of standard cars, offering not only basic safety features but also additional technologies such as lane-keeping assistance, warning sensors, and advanced navigation systems. Moreover, luxury cars tend to perform better in crash tests than standard vehicles.
What Makes a Car Safe?
- Speed Limitation: Speed is one of the most dangerous factors in fatal traffic accidents, with speeding being responsible for 30% of traffic accidents, including fatalities. While no technology can eliminate driver recklessness, active speed limit displays in luxury cars can promote responsible driving or serve as evidence of speeding violations.
- Lighting: Most traffic accidents occur at night, putting both drivers and pedestrians at greater risk. While factors like alcohol and fatigue contribute to these accidents, reduced visibility remains the most pressing cause of nighttime crashes. At night, drivers rely on headlights for orientation. However, standard low beams are insufficient for speeds above 70 km/h, which compromises visibility.
- Advanced Navigation System: Modern luxury vehicles, such as Cadillac, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, are equipped with head-up displays (HUD) that show speed instructions and navigation closer to the driver’s eye level, rather than the central dashboard, which is typical in economy or mid-range vehicles. These advanced systems keep the driver’s gaze on the road, minimizing distractions.
- Collision Avoidance Systems: Safety technology has reached incredible heights with the introduction of blind-spot cameras, but automakers have gone further to create a network of sensors that assist the driver. These sensors can detect danger signals, track the speed of surrounding cars, and even help with lane changes by automatically correcting the car’s steering direction.
The 10 Safest Luxury Cars
When most people decide to purchase a new car, they typically consider factors such as budget, value, operating costs, and even resale value, but rarely consider the safety features of the vehicle. However, safety is possibly one of the most critical aspects when purchasing a new car. Unfortunately, many people equate vehicle safety with the presence of certain safety technologies or features, rather than crash or impact test results. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the safest luxury cars for 2022.
1. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is currently one of the best-selling electric vehicles on the market, offering an ideal combination of price, performance, and range. With batteries mounted beneath the floor, the Model 3 has a low center of gravity, which provides better stability in turns, precise steering, and quick response to sudden changes in direction. Tesla markets the Model 3 as the safest car in the world, and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) agrees. The Model 3 received top safety ratings, including «Good» ratings for crashworthiness and «Superior» ratings for all its mitigation and accident prevention systems. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also gives it five stars across all safety categories.
2. Genesis G80
Genesis combines exterior design, luxurious interiors, and ample space at a lower price. The 2022 Genesis G80 is one of the top safety choices according to IIHS, receiving a «Good» rating for crashworthiness and a «Superior» rating for its accident mitigation and prevention systems. If that’s not enough, the G80 also earned a five-star rating from NHTSA across all safety tests.
3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
After a model update in 2021, the 2022 E-Class arrived with minimal changes but still stands out for its elegant interior with premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and efficient powertrain. Like the C-Class, the E-Class received a “Basic” rating from IIHS for its standard vehicle and pedestrian collision avoidance system. However, it received “Good” ratings for crash resistance and child seat anchors and “Superior” ratings for other accident mitigation and prevention systems. The NHTSA awarded the E-Class a five-star safety rating in all categories.
4. Audi A6
While it is one of the priciest luxury cars in its class, the Audi A6 impresses with style, performance, and technology. The model offers excellent comfort and features Audi’s refined interior quality. IIHS ranks the A6 as a top safety pick, earning «Good» ratings for crashworthiness and accident prevention systems. It also received a four-star rating in frontal crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
5. Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 has a sleek yet narrow exterior, with a Scandinavian interior that is one of the most impressive in its class. Aside from offering luxury, the S60 boasts smooth, efficient powertrains. The Volvo S60 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, receiving a «Good» rating for crashworthiness and a «Superior» rating for accident prevention systems. NHTSA awarded the S60 a five-star rating for side and rollover crash safety and four stars in frontal crash tests.
6. Acura TLX
Acura redesigned the TLX, and the 2022 model is now a top contender in the mid-size luxury car category. The 2022 Acura TLX is a top safety pick, with “Good” crashworthiness ratings and “Superior” ratings for its accident mitigation and prevention systems. The car also earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
7. Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is more stylish than ever. The 2022 model is a luxury sports sedan with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Kia Stinger received top safety scores from IIHS, earning a «Good» rating for crashworthiness and “Advanced” to “Superior” ratings for its accident prevention and mitigation systems. The Stinger also earned favorable ratings in NHTSA safety tests, with a five-star overall safety rating and four stars in frontal crash tests.
8. Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 has undergone continuous updates to stay relevant since its debut in 2019. The 2022 ES 350 is a comfortable cruiser that appeals to many enthusiasts. Additionally, the Lexus ES 350 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, with “Good” ratings for crashworthiness and child seat anchors, as well as “Advanced” and “Superior” ratings in accident prevention tests. The NHTSA gave the ES 350 five stars, despite receiving four stars for frontal crash and rollover safety.
9. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
While awaiting the redesigned 2022 model later this year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains an excellent luxury option. IIHS ranks the C-Class as a top safety choice, giving it “Good” ratings for crashworthiness and child seat anchors. Despite receiving a “Basic” rating for its standard vehicle and pedestrian collision avoidance system, the C-Class earned a “Superior” rating for its accident prevention systems. This model also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with four stars for frontal crash and rollover safety.
10. Volvo S90
The flagship Volvo S90 sedan is a formidable competitor in its segment, offering a minimalist Scandinavian design that contrasts with the dominant German models. The S90 prioritizes comfort and a relaxed driving experience over sportiness. The Volvo S90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award with “Good” ratings across all crashworthiness tests and a “Superior” rating for its standard accident prevention system.
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