We can talk about unique design solutions that characterise Tesla's luxury crossover all day long. Sleek styling, gull-wing doors, and panoramic windshield, to name a few. This is the company's second serial production model and the world's first electric SUV, which brings forth significant changes to industry standards especially regarding performance, styling, and luxury.
Six years after the launch, it is still one of the most desirable luxury SUVs on the market, and the reasons are obvious. It is incredibly fast, it offers excellent range, and it is visually appealing. Simply put, it’s still hard to find an all-electric SUV that compares with the Model X, whether it’s about performance or luxury.
The First Generation of Tesla Model X
The development of the Tesla Model X started many years before the official launch. The initial plan was to start serial production in 2013, but technical difficulties caused a few delays. Finally, the first deliveries began in September 2015. Soon after, the first models arrived in Australia. The current generation debuted as the 2016 model, and it is still in production.
Design
The Tesla Model X is the second serial production model in the company's portfolio. It came right after the Model S, and if we consider that the two models are closely similar regarding size, it was expected to see a lot of parts shared between them. Tesla engineers originally planned to use 60% of Tesla Model S parts for the new crossover but ended up with only 30%.
This refers to all aspects of the car, but aesthetics is where this crossover stands out. Although an SUV, it doesn't feature a typically rugged appearance for the segment. Moreover, there are many fancy design solutions, which typically go with luxury sedans than SUVs. Of course, the most notable are gull-wing doors that open upwards.
Such a door design has a couple of advantages. With it, the second and third rows of seats are now more accessible. On the other hand, a design where doors open vertically means there is no room for roof cargo. Also, you may not be able to open them fully in your garage.
Another exciting aspect of this crossover is the suspension setup. Initially, standard models were offered with coil springs, while the rest of the setup included a double-wishbone at the front and a multi-link on the rear end. On the other hand, more expensive models were equipped with adjustable air suspensions. Soon after, the so-called "Smart Air Suspension" became part of the standard equipment.
When it comes to dimensions, the Tesla Model X is a typical large SUV, similarly sized as models like Audi Q7 or BMW X5. The wheelbase measures 2.965mm, while the total length goes up to 5.036 millimetres.
Tesla Model X Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2,965 mm
- Length: 5,036 mm
- Width: 1,999 mm
- Height: 1,684 mm
- Ground Clearance: 139 mm
- Turning circle: 11 m
Interior
The Tesla Model X interior hasn't changed too much since the initial launch. The layout remained pretty much the same regardless of the model year. The dashboard features clean lines, and a massive vertically-oriented touchscreen is undoubtedly the first thing you'll notice. It controls pretty much everything, and you will hardly find any physical buttons inside the Model X.
Three seating configurations are available. The initial version came with three rows of seats, but soon after, Tesla introduced a version with five seats. Also, you can replace the second-row bench with a couple of separated seats and get better comfort in the three-row model, but capacity goes down to six in this case. No matter the configuration, the first two rows are spacious and comfortable, while the third row is tight.
The Model X has a battery positioned under the floor, which means there is an additional cargo space at the front. As a result, the total cargo capacity goes up to 2.492 litres, which is an impressive number for this size of SUV.
What’s important to know about the Tesla Model X interior is that the overall quality isn’t great. While the quality of materials is pretty impressive, there are various build quality issues, especially regarding inconsistent gaps between interior panels.
Specifications
Unlike internal-combustion competitors that usually offer all-wheel drive as an option, the Tesla Model X comes standard with such a setup. It comes with electric motors on both axles, and there are two main versions on the offer, regarding power and performance.
Standard models come with a couple of electric motors where each unit has a max output of 193kW. That's enough to move this large SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.
The Performance version features the same 193-kW electric motor at the front but comes with a much more powerful 375-kW unit on the rear axle. The acceleration is way better, especially with the available Ludicrous mode. In that case, the Model X needs less than 3 seconds to hit 100km/h.
Models and Range
60D
- Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
- Max Range: 320 km
- Model Years: 2016
75D
- Battery Capacity: 75 kWh
- Max Range: 38 3km
- Model Years: 2016-2019
90D
- Battery Capacity: 90 kWh
- Max Range: 414 km
- Model Years: 2016-2019
100D
- Battery Capacity: 100 kWh
- Max Range 523 km
- Model Years 2016-2019
P100D
- Battery Capacity: 100 kWh
- Max Range: 491 km
- Model Years: 2016-2019
Refresh of the Tesla Model X (2019)
In May 2019, Tesla refreshed the Model X with a couple of updates and upgrades. Among several engineering updates, the biggest one is that Smart Air Suspension has become standard. Also, the company changed the naming policy, and since then, all models feature more contemporary names – Standard Range, Long Range and Performance.
The Standard Range Model was available for the 2019 model year only. It features the standard electric motors setup, in pair with a 75-kWh battery pack and has a max range of 383 kilometres.
The Long Range and Performance models are the only available variants for the 2020 and 2021 model years. Both models feature a 100-kWh battery, and while the Performance model is way faster, the Long Range model can make more kilometres on a single charge. It’s hard to talk about the exact numbers, as Tesla improves the range every few months. The latest versions can make 530km (Long Range) and 490km (Performance) without recharging.
The current 2021 model starts at $157,418, while the Tesla Model X Performance Australia price goes around $176,900.
Is Tesla Model X Worth the Money?
When you look at the numbers and realize how much Tesla Model X would cost you, this comes as a logical question. At this point, it's hard to give a straight answer. On one side, Tesla Model X is still the most advanced all-electric SUV regarding drivetrain, performance, range and technology in general. Also, it is a practical SUV, with three rows of seats, ample cargo capacity and lots of safety features.
On the other hand, this isn't the only all-electric SUV on the market anymore. There are few pretty capable competitors, and most of them are far superior to the overall build quality. You've probably heard a lot of stories about Tesla's quality issues, such as large gaps between body panels, shoddy paint jobs and chipped glass. That's something you won't find in models like the Audi e-Tron.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the Model X holds its value better than Model S and Porsche Taycan. So, if you plan to sell your Tesla Model X, this may be a good moment. You can advertise it on our website, and we will help you find more interested buyers.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa