Euro NCAP has conducted a second series of tests with highway driver assistance systems. Ten cars were examined, including the Tesla Model 3. What turns out? BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz score better in this area than Tesla, because the Autopilot is too passive towards the driver according to Euro NCAP.
The Euro NCAP test, which is now more comprehensive than in 2018, focuses on two main issues in highway assistance systems. First of all, the inspectors look at what systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane assistance can be technically capable of and to what extent they still keep the driver alert. In addition, Euro NCAP is examining the car’s ‘safety net’: how do the systems respond when a critical situation arises? This is linked to an assessment system consisting of four categories: ‘Entry’, ‘Moderate’, ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’. It goes without saying that ‘Entry’ is actually synonymous here with ‘moderate’. According to Euro NCAP, the best systems strike a good balance between providing assistance and keeping the driver alert at the same time, while also being able to intervene appropriately when things go wrong.
In the test there were three cars that could take home the designation ‘Very Good’: the Audi Q8, BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The driver assistance systems in these cars met all requirements according to Euro NCAP. A standout car in the list is the Tesla Model 3. The Autopilot system received the highest scores in the areas of assistance and safety, but does not do its best to involve the driver in the driving. Euro NCAP’s judgment is that the system is ‘more authoritarian than cooperative’, which means that the Tesla has to make do with a ‘Moderate’ score. Other cars that got this rating include the Volvo V60, Volkswagen Passat and Nissan Juke. Two cars have to make do with the ‘Entry’ predicate: the Renault Clio and the Peugeot 2008. According to Euro NCAP, this is mainly because the assistance offered is not sufficiently refined. One car has the Euro NCAP as ‘Good’: the Ford Kuga. According to the institute, the SUV shows that well-balanced and effective systems are also available in the middle class.