Tesla responds to newly released Model S crash-test rating
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced Wednesday night that the Model S earned an "acceptable" rating, the second-best designation, in a test designed to simulate an offset frontal collision at 40 mph.
Here's what a version of that crash test looks like:
The IIHS said that, during the test, the Model S's seat belt did not prevent the driver's head from hitting the steering wheel hard through the deployed air bag.
A Tesla spokesperson disputed the IIHS' findings in an emailed statement to Business Insider on Wednesday night:
The IIHS is a research affiliate within the insurance industry. It claims that offset frontal collisions account for roughly 25% of deaths and injuries in frontal collisions.
The Model S was among six large vehicles the IIHS tested, which included the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Toyota Avalon. Both of those cars received the agency's highest rating in the offset crash.