Tesla Model S: 5-Star EuroNCAP Safety Rating for Granny

Despite being 10 years old, the Tesla Model electric sedan achieves the maximum score in EuroNCAP crash tests in 2022. But how does it do it?

The EuroNCAP crash test is a daunting exercise for all car manufacturers. Their new cars often earn the highest score, with some disparities, but some fail to pass the test. This was the case of the Renault ZOE with a severe 0-star rating out of 5, partly due to the lack of driver assistance features and also because of its outdated design. What could be expected from a Tesla Model S, ten years old, after such a crash test in 2022?

The “old” Tesla Model S received 5 out of 5

And surprisingly, the large electric sedan fares very well. The Tesla Model S from 2012 scores a maximum of 5 stars. In detail, it ranks quite high with:

• 94% in adult protection
• 91% in child protection
• 85% in pedestrian protection
• 98% in safety assistance features

But is it better than recent electric cars? Yes and no, depending on the competing models. The Tesla Model S performs significantly better than a Mercedes EQS in safety systems and pedestrian protection.

Or it edges out in adult protection and only ties with the German model for child protection. Among the 15 vehicles tested in November 2022, the Nio ET7 is a notch below the Tesla, especially in pedestrian protection. The Porsche Taycan is not comparable, as it has a standard dating back to 2019. It scored around:

Tesla Explains Its Achievement

To explain its results, the American manufacturer offers some insights. For frontal collision protection, the Tesla Model S features a “new front structure absorbing maximum energy and reducing impact on passengers.” For children, the front passenger seat automatically detects if a child is present and disables the airbag. The new “yoke” steering wheel also has a practical advantage besides its originality, because the absence of the upper part would limit head injuries and “provides clear visibility of the screen”.

Regarding driver assistance systems, Tesla states it has “a driver attention detector adjusting the sensitivity of the forward collision alert”, while the multi-collision prevention system automatically engages the brakes. The videos also show good reactions in various situations involving pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles.

Also read: Tesla Model S returns to France (also Model X)