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Tesla Model 3

Best in Class
Model 3 frontal view
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Play
2019
Standard
Standard

Verdict

The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger dummy. Tesla showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions. Protection of both dummies was rated as good for all critical body areas and the Tesla 3 scored maximum points in the offset deformable test. In the full-width rigid barrier test, all body areas were well protected for both dummies with the exception of chest of the rear passenger, protection of which was adequate. In the side barrier test, protection of all critical body areas was good and the Tesla 3 scored maximum points. In the more severe side pole impact, dummy readings of rib compression indicated marginal protection of the chest, with all critical areas well protected. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. A geometric assessment of the rear seats also indicated good whiplash protection. The standard-fit autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system scored maximum points in tests of its functionality at the low speeds at which many whiplash injuries occur, with collisions avoided in all test scenarios.

In the frontal offset test, dummy readings of neck tension indicated marginal protection of this body region for the 10 year old. Otherwise, protection of both child dummies was good. In the side barrier test, protection of all critical body areas was good for both dummies and the Tesla 3 scored maximum points for this part of the assessment. The front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. Clear information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded. All of the restraint types for which the Tesla 3 is designed could be properly installed and accommodated in the car.

The protection provided by the bonnet to the head of a struck pedestrian was mixed. There were large areas where protection was adequate but poor performance was seen at the base of the windscreen and on the stiff windscreen pillars. However, the protection provided to pedestrians' legs and pelvis area was good at all test locations. The Tesla 3's AEB system can detect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, as well as other vehicles. In tests of its response to pedestrians, the system performed well. In tests of its response to cyclists the system scored full points.

The AEB system performed well in tests of its response to other vehicles at highway speeds. The lane support system helps to prevent inadvertent drifting out of lane. The system can also intervene in some more critical situations. There is a seatbelt reminder for the front and rear seats. A speed assistance system uses digital mapping to identify the local speed limit and presents this information to the driver, allowing easy activation of the limiter to the appropriate speed.

Tested ModelTesla Model 3 Long Range RWD, LHD
Body TypeSedan
Kerb Weight1760 kg
Adult Occupant

Adult Occupant

96%
Child Occupant

Child Occupant

86%
Vulnerable Road Users

Vulnerable Road Users

74%
Safety Assist

Safety Assist

94%

Safety Equipment

Driver
Passenger
Rear
Front Airbag
FITTED_STANDARD
FITTED_STANDARD
NOT_AVAILABLE
Belt Pretensioner
FITTED_STANDARD
FITTED_STANDARD
FITTED_STANDARD
Belt Loadlimiter
FITTED_STANDARD
FITTED_STANDARD
FITTED_STANDARD
Knee Airbag
NOT_AVAILABLE
NOT_AVAILABLE
NOT_AVAILABLE

Note: other equipment may be available on the vehicle but was not considered in the test year

  • Fitted to the vehicle as standard
    Fitted to the vehicle as standard
  • Fitted to the vehicle as part of the safety pack
    Fitted to the vehicle as part of the safety pack
  • Not fitted to the test vehicle but available as option or as part of the safety pack
    Not fitted to the test vehicle but available as option or as part of the safety pack
  • Not available
    Not available
  • Not applicable
    Not applicable

Rating Validity

Body Type
Variant Description
Drivetrain
Rating Applies LHD
Rating Applies RHD
4 door Sedan
Rear Wheel Drive Electric - Model 3*
4x2
true
true
4 door Sedan
Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive Electric - Model 3 AWD
4x4
true
true
4 door Sedan
Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive Electric - 'Performance'
4x4
true
true
4 door Sedan
Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive Electric - Model 3 AWD
4x4
true
true
  • * Tested Variant

Additional Information