The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has developed a new frontal crash test, and the majority of midsize luxury cars have received poor marks.<\/p>\n
The test creates a simulation of what occurs when an automobile strikes another car or a stationary object such as a tree. The test uses a five-foot barrier, striking 25 percent of the automobile’s front end against it, at a speed of 40 miles per hour.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, most luxury models from the 2012 model year failed the test. The Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, and Lexus luxury models all received poor ratings. Four other automobiles received a marginal rating: the Lincoln MKZ, Acura TSX, Volkswagen CC and the BMW 3 series.<\/p>\n
The poor scores indicate that these models would not protect occupants very well in a real-world collision. Only three of the 11 cars tested earned a rating of good or acceptable: the Infiniti G, Acura TL and Volvo S60.<\/p>\n