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Ground clearance on the Model S is 6 inches according to Tesla[0] which puts it at par with a Honda Civic Sedan.

[0] http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/images/models...

5 inches, because you need to account for the air suspension option that lowers the car at highway speeds.

http://www.teslamotors.com/de_AT/forum/forums/air-suspension...

I've always thought they look really low on the road, but apparently the data suggests otherwise:

http://db.theautochannel.com/db/newcarbuyersguide/rank_car_c...

I'm not sure, but I suspect the ground clearance isn't the major factor at play. I believe there are legal limits, such that cars must have at least a certain amount of clearance. So I'd be surprised if the Tesla S had a significantly lower clearance than other vehicles.

Just an anecdote, I've known one guy who had a chunk of old exhaust pipe come up through the floor of his vehicle, almost injuring him. It was a pickup truck with high clearance.

Why isn't the ground clearance the major factor ?

The batteries were damaged because an item went through the bottom of the car.

I meant it's not a major factor in assessing damage rates relative to other vehicle models, because the clearance is very similar, model-to-model.