Tesla Autopilot beaten in new Euro NCAP tests

A new safety testing regime created to assess car-makers' semi-autonomous driving systems has placed the Tesla Model 3 sixth out of 10 models tested, with the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV judged the vehicle with the best driver assist features.

The tests, developed by Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research, are claimed to be the first of their kind and have been introduced to give buyers greater clarity over new driver assist technology such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assistance.

For now, Euro NCAP says the new score will not count as part of a model's overall Euro NCAP test result, mainly because many of the systems examined are still costly options.

The judging also took into account both how well the systems work and how accurately they are marketed to the consumer, with the grades 'very good’, ‘good’, ‘moderate’ or ‘entry’ given.

The new tests assessed the driver assist tech in three areas.

The first is dubbed 'vehicle assistance' and examines how effective the systems work during normal operation.

The next is 'driver engagement' and marks how well the driver is paying attention, how intuitive the systems are and how clear it is when the self-driving aids are in operation.

Finally, Euro NCAP scores the safety back-up, or how well the system will perform in an emergency like the driver losing consciousness, or if the system fails or if a collision is imminent.

In all three categories, a maximum score of 100 marks is possible, with an overall score contributing to the overall 'very good', 'good', 'moderate' or 'entry' rating.

For the first batch of tests 10 cars were reviewed, with the Mercedes GLE scoring the highest marks. Testers praised its systems for keeping its "driver engaged with plenty of clear communication regarding assistance offered".

In second place the BMW 3 Series was praised for being intuitive, while in third place the Audi Q8 was the only other model to receive a 'very good' rating.

The surprise 'moderate' score for the Tesla Model 3, which is generally perceived to be a market leader for driver-less tech, was due to the Autopilot system being marked down because it automatically switched off when a driver steered around an obstacle.

Other systems received better marks as they allowed the driver interaction and re-engaged automatically afterwards.

The Tesla Model 3 also scored just 36 when assessed on its ability to maintain a driver's focus on the road ahead.

The Model 3 did gain the highest marks among the models tested for its performance and ability to respond to emergencies, however that couldn't prevent an overall 'moderate' rating.

Euro NCAP also criticised Tesla for using the name 'Autopilot' as it suggests full automation.

BMW's 'Driving Assistant Professional' was deemed by the crash safety body as a more appropriate name for the capabilities of all its vehicles' semi-autonomous aids.

The other models assessed in the first round were the Renault Clio and Peugeot 2008 (both faring poorly with an 'entry' rating), the Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Juke and Volvo V60 (matching Tesla with a 'moderate' result), and the Ford Kuga (one rung up with 'good').

Commenting on the new safety gradings, Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP board member and head of research for Thatcham Research, said: “The first batch of results show some car-makers have developed robust assisted driving systems and that’s good to see.

"But there are also significant gaps in capability on other vehicles.”