Created by the Swedish publication Teknikens Värld in 1970, the moose test – or in good Portuguese, “moose test” – is today one of the most important active safety tests. The test consists of an evasive maneuver in order to monitor the behavior of the vehicle when it deviates from an obstacle.
As it could not be otherwise, over the years we have seen more positive results, and others not so much. Models like the Toyota Hilux or the Mercedes-Benz Class A, from two of the biggest brands in the world, were known for their unconvincing performance in the «moose test». So how does a much newer brand's electric SUV fare?
To answer this question, the Spanish publication km77 decided to put the Tesla Model X to the test in its own “moose test”:
In this P100D version, the Model X delivers 612 hp of power but, more importantly, it measures 5.05 meters and weighs 2562 kg. It is not, therefore, a properly agile model: it was only possible to complete the test at 70 km/h, after attempts at 72 km/h and 74 km/h had resulted in dropped cones.
However, the low center of gravity (due to the batteries mounted on the vehicle's floor) means that, when subjected to violent mass transfers, the Model X maintains a neutral behavior and remains “glued” to the ground.
What is the most effective car in the "moose test"? Know the answer here.