Consumer Reports restores some points to Tesla electrified cars for automatic braking

2017 Tesla Model S

Tesla had long been a darling of Consumer Reports magazine since the time the Model S electrical car was very first exposed, and it consistently scored well in the magazine’s tests.

However, when Tesla pulled its automatic emergency braking feature when it switched to all-new vehicle sensors and AutoPilot active-safety software—called Hardware 2—the respected consumer guide was less than affected.

Tesla witnessed the Model S’s safety rating downgraded significantly, but now Consumer Reports has restored a few lost points after the automaker updated cars built since October to include the emergency braking feature.

DON’T MISS: Tesla Autopilot gets automatic braking just as Consumer Reports downgrades safety rating

Both Tesla models presently in production earned back one point each from the addition of the safety feature, according to Consumer Reports.

The Model S now comebacks to the number-two spot among luxury sedans, right behind the Lexus LS.

Even with the update, however, the Tesla Model X still remains at the back of the pack when it comes to luxury crossovers.

Tesla Model S Autopilot system

Tesla Enhanced Autopilot

It should be noted that the update has not restored the automatic emergency braking system, which was included on cars built before the hardware changeover.

Originally, the system was capable of applying the brakes at speeds up to ninety mph; the revamped system presently works at speeds only up to twenty eight mph.

The publication has stated it will re-evaluate the ratings if Tesla chooses to make the system operational at highway speeds.

“It’s uncommon for a newer vehicle to be less capable than an older vehicle,” said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, ” especially when it comes to safety.”

Tesla plans to roll out another update in the future to restore the system downright, according to the report.

The Model S, in particular, has had a bumpy road with Consumer Reports ratings.

2017 Tesla Model S

The publication primarily named the luxury electrified sedan one of its most recommended cars in 2014.

The accolade was retracted in two thousand fifteen when the publication dropped the car from the list due to holder reports of less-than-stellar reliability.

Tesla’s habit of updating cars outside model-year cracks also applies to its possessor policies on things like free Supercharger DC fast-charging.

After telling it would charge fresh buyers to use the DC fast-charging system after January 15, it recently expanded the free Supercharging to all current owners.

Through its longstanding referral program, first-time buyers can also qualify for free Supercharging if a current proprietor gives them a purchase code, which comes with a discount as well.

While continuing to sell Model S and Model X electrical cars around the world, Tesla’s main concentrate this year is the upcoming launch of its lower-cost Model three sedan, which it says will go into production before the end of this year.

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