> "Model 3 also has the lowest intrusion from side pole impact of any vehicle tested by NHTSA. Unlike frontal crashes, there is little room for crumple zone in a side impact, so we patented our own pillar structures and side sills to absorb as much energy as possible in a very short distance. These structures work alongside the vehicle’s rigid body and fortified battery architecture to further reduce and prevent compartment intrusion. With less intrusion into the cabin, our side airbags have more space to inflate and cushion the occupants inside."
It's something I didn't really appreciate until weeks after we brought our 3 home, but the sides of the car have an incredibly strange shape. Both front and rear doors, and even the rear fender and side sills, have absolutely massive character lines and sculpting. I have no idea if they're outright thicker than other carmakers' doors, or if they're there for aerodynamics, or if they aid safety, but they're really like nothing else. Take a close look next time you see one; I think the S is much the same way, but like most people, I don't usually stop to closely examine styling elements unless I have a particular reason to do so.