Tesla showed years ago how advanced electric cars can be. However, other automakers have caught up. The Tesla models are by no means perfect and are now even behind other models. This is shown by ADAC tests.
Past individual tests of numerous e-cars – divided into the respective vehicle classes – provide an overview of the capabilities. With only two car models, the ranking of microcars is fairly manageable. The winner here is the Fiat 500e Cabrio with an overall result of 2.5. It received five stars in the ADAC Ecotest and impressed with its agile handling. The steering feel, on the other hand, is described as “doughy”, especially since Fiat leaves points in comfort, among other things.
The Renault Twingo Electric Intens performed significantly worse with an overall result of 4.1. Above all, the vehicle is inexpensive, but has neither a fast charging connection nor rear head airbags. In addition, the steering is “feeling and indirect” and the cabin gets noisy at higher speeds.
The small car ranking is led by the Hyundai Kona Electric (64 kWh) Spirit with an overall score of 2.1, but shares the place with the Kia e-Soul (64 kWh) Spirit. Both models score with very good driving performance, a “practical” range and a very extensive range of standard equipment. The Kona, on the other hand, loses points because of the use of simple materials in the interior, the low trailer load and the lack of anti-trap protection for the rear side windows. The disadvantages of the e-Soul also lie in the use of simple materials in the interior and the low towing capacity.
The models Opel Corsa-e (2.2), Peugeot e-2008 GT (2.2), Honda e (2.2), Peugeot e-208 GT (2.3), Opel Mokka-e Ultimate follow closely behind (2.3) and the Renault Zoe ZE50 (52 kWh) (2.5). The Dacia Spring Comfort Plus scores far worse (4.1). This is due in particular to the one-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, the small number of available assistance systems and the low range.
The test results in the lower middle class, which are also shared by two models with the Kia Niro EV Inspiration (1.9) and the Mercedes EQA 250 Electric Art (1.9), are relatively close together. The Niro scores among other things with a good amount of space, ease of use and a balanced chassis. Due to the wind noise that occurs at higher speeds and a lack of anti-trap protection for the rear side windows, however, it leaves points. The EQA also scores with a good amount of space, also with a high level of drive comfort, a very comfortable chassis and a fully available assistance program. Apart from the high purchase price, its disadvantages include the low trailer load and the very high vehicle weight. The last places were taken by the Opel Combo e-Life Ultimate and the Nissan Leaf (62 kWh) e Tekna, both of which still achieved an overall rating of 2.4.
With 21 cars tested, the middle class is the group with the most vehicle tests. Here it is surprising that not Tesla but the Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS iV is ahead with an overall result of 1.7. It shares first place with the BMW iX3. Both models offer a high level of comfort, very good driving performance and a relatively good range. The Enyaq loses because of its low towing capacity and the energy-saving tires with little lateral support. The iX3 also has a low trailer load, a high loading sill and a moderate payload.
The VW ID.5 Pro Performance (1.8) follows closely behind. Its strengths include the high level of comfort and a high level of active and passive safety. A moderate material quality, a cumbersome operation and weaknesses in the ADAC evasion test, on the other hand, make up the disadvantages of the SUV coupe.
With an overall rating of 2.0, the Tesla Model 3 (60 kWh/LFP) is in the lower midfield of the ranking. The low consumption and agile handling speak in favor of the vehicle. The lack of suspension comfort and the operation with a high potential for distraction have a negative effect on the automobile club’s assessment. The Tesla Model Y Max Range AWD is even behind with an overall score of 2.1. Among other things, it convinces with a good drive and safe and agile handling. On the other hand, the Tesla model also leaves points because of its operating system via display, unreliably functioning assistance systems and its low payload.
The Aiways U5 Premium takes last place, but still gets an overall rating of 2.5. Among other things, the China SUV convinces with good material and processing quality as well as extensive safety and comfort equipment. Similar to Tesla, however, the operating system is cumbersome, no trailer loads are allowed and the charging capacity at the wall box is low.
E-models above the middle class are again divided into upper middle class and upper class. Both contain four vehicles each – apart from one model, only vehicles from German premium manufacturers are represented. The BMW iX xDrive50 is therefore the best car in the upper middle class. Among other things, the good drive, the “perfect” workmanship and the high level of comfort contribute to an overall rating of 1.6. Weaknesses, however, are about the high purchase price and the expansive body.
The Citroen e-Spacetourer is the only model in the top two vehicle classes to appear in the rankings – albeit in last place with an overall rating of 2.7. The eight-seater bus has electric sliding doors and good standard equipment. Its short range and the fact that important safety assistants are only available at extra cost mean that it suffers losses in the test.
With an overall result of 1.6, the Mercedes EQS 450 performed best among the luxury class models tested. Among other things, a very good amount of space, a good drive and driving comfort and a high level of safety speak for it. In addition to the high purchase price, the disadvantages of the vehicle are the operating system, which can be easily distracting, poor all-round visibility and moderate adjustment of the brake pedal.
The other three vehicles also received very good to good ratings: Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo GTS (1.8), Porsche Taycan 4S Performance Plus (1.9) and Audi e-tron GT quattro (2.0). The last-placed e-tron GT quattro offers very good driving comfort, safe driving characteristics, short charging times and two AC charging connections. On the other hand, its range is only moderate, no support or trailer loads are permitted and the space available at the rear is relatively small.
Sources: ADAC
