2016
Tesla Model X
It
was in early 2012 that Tesla Motors first unveiled a prototype version of the
Model X and confirmed the electric crossover for production. Now the first
examples have been handed over to their eagerly awaiting customers, an event that
took place overnight at a special ceremony held at Tesla’s plant in Fremont,
California.
During
the event, Musk conceded that some of the unique requirements for the vehicle
went a little too far. There are, of course, the much-hyped ‘Falcon Wing’ rear
doors, and in addition to these there’s a huge windshield that stretches from
the hood to the center of the roof, an automatic front door and a special cabin
filter capable of hospital-grade cleanliness.
Just
two versions are being offered at launch, a 90D and a P90D, and both are fitted
with a 90-kilowatt-hour battery, the biggest Tesla is offering at present. Both
also come standard with Tesla’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. As
previously reported, the 90D starts at US$ 133,200 while the P90D will set you
back US$ 143,200. Both figures include Tesla’s US$ 1,200 destination charge.
As
measured by the EPA, the 90D is good for 90/94 mil per galon (mpg) city/highway and 92 mpg combined, and with a range of 257 miles. The P90D’s numbers come in at 89/90
mpg city/highway and 89 mpg combined, and
with a range of 250 miles.
The
P90D is the one with the “Ludicrous Speed” option; this enables the Model X to
hit 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and pass the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds, truly
mindboggling figures for a mid-size crossover with the capacity to carry seven
adults and tow up to 5,000 pounds. Versions with smaller batteries and smaller
price tags will come later, and a rear-wheel-drive model hasn’t been ruled out.
In general, the Model X will cost you US$ 5,000 more than a comparable Model S, so
it’s possible we’ll see Model X pricing approach US$ 70,000.
Inside,
the look is the similar to what you’ll find in the Model S—with the big 17-inch
display included. Tesla says the Model X, along with the Model S, will also get
all of its Autopilot autonomous driving features, as they become available. The
features will be added via software updates in the near future.
If
you haven’t already reserved a Model X, don’t expect one until well into 2016.
Tesla says it has roughly 30,000 reservations, meaning anyone putting in an
order now will have to wait between 9-12 months.
