Tesla Model S crowned in Good Design Awards

The Tesla Model S has been crowned Good Design Australia's best overall design for 2015, taking a breakthrough win ahead of dozens of products in a range of industries.

The electric car edged out four-wheeled rivals such as the BMW i3, along with developments including the Uber ride-sharing app, the new State Library of Victoria, and a clever Bluetooth app for hearing aids.

Tesla is only the second carmaker to win Australia's most prestigious design accolade, following in the footsteps of Ford's 2006 Territory and the XE Falcon of 1982.

A panel of expert judges, including national Drive editor Andrew MacLean, found the Tesla stood apart from the motoring pack.

One judge said "this award is about showcasing the best of human ingenuity, design brilliance and commercial excellence – this entry ticks every box".

Another said that "every aspect of this entry is amazing and truly deserves to be recognised at this level".

The Tesla stood above its rivals thanks to a combination of sharp looks, a sustainable driveline and clever interior anchored by its 17-inch touchscreen.

BMW joined Tesla as a key award winner, securing the Good Design Award for Sustainability for its electric i3 hatch.

The brand's first electric car is made of 95 per cent recyclable materials, and key elements of its interior are produced from renewable sources.

Judges said the i3 is "a truly innovative car with some exceptional design elements - a genuine commitment to sustainable design in every sense".

The BMW and Tesla were joined by a handful of strong models that received awards for product design.

Coupes were represented by the Audi TT, Alfa Romeo 4C and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, while family cars were championed by the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class trio.

Second-tier Good Design Selection certificates went to the Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur compact SUVs, the Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti Q50 and Subaru Liberty sedan - as well as its Outback wagon sibling - and the Ford Transit van.