Tesla Model X

As it turns out, identifying the quickest cars in Australia for 2021 is not an easy feat. Not only do they need to be available locally, they also need to meet our criterion of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in under three seconds. You may be expecting to see brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but interestingly, they don't make the cut. Audi's R8 Performance misses out, clocking a time of 3.3 seconds, while the BMW M8 and Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S both get there in 3.2 seconds.

Tesla has recalled 158,000 Model S and Model X vehicles in the United States, citing the potential for “failures resulting in loss of [the] rear-view camera and other safety related vehicle functions.” According to a letter sent by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected models were built between 2012 and 2018. The letter says "[these] vehicles were equipped with an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB [flash memory device]."

Tesla has reportedly challenged a recall for almost 30,000 American-made Model X and Model S cars imported into China, disputing claims there is an issue with the vehicles' suspension and instead blaming the problem on "driver abuse". The recall, lodged with China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) by Tesla Motor's Beijing arm, apparently affects Model X and S cars produced between September 17, 2013 and January 15, 2018, and imported into China.

ANCAP has awarded the Tesla Model X, Audi A7 and Q8, and the MG HS five stars in its latest round of crash tests, but the Hyundai Venue city SUV fell short. The independent safety body called the all-electric Tesla Model X the "standout performer" among the five cars tested, record-equalling scores for adult occupant protection and safety assist. Meanwhile, the Audi A7 and Q8 demonstrated "good performance in all assessment areas".

Audi and Jaguar are facing issues with the e-tron and I-Pace overseas, with the German marque issuing a recall over a potential fire risk, while the British brand is investigating a report of a fire in Europe. In the US, Audi has issued a safety recall for the e-tron quattro over concerns water can get into the charging port. Should this occur, water could get into the vehicle's electronics and cause a battery fire.