Who’s It For?
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric, premium SUV aimed at families who want to lower their huge running costs and do their bit for the environment. It’s the first ever fully-electric car of its kind and shares its engine with the P100D version of the Tesla Model S, which helps it complete the 0-62 sprint in 3.1 seconds.
Prices start out from £75,435, while its range of 351 miles should be enough to reduce range anxiety among even the biggest worriers. The car comes with the option of five or seven seats, tax advantages and costs barely anything to run.
Electric Motor & Handling
The Tesla Model X is a beast of an SUV, tipping the scales at just over 2,300kg. Despite its size, offers a rewarding drive experience and feels assured and comfortable on most surfaces.
Thanks to the positioning of the batteries, the Tesla Model X has a lower centre of gravity than almost any other SUV. This means that it’s able to resist body lean in bends.
The brands dual-motor, four-wheel-drive system is standard on all models, and it arms the car with plenty of grip so that drivers never lose their nerve.
Electrically assisted steering is standard, and it enhances the driving experience by making the steering more precise than ever.
The electric motor itself varies in power output depending on which model you choose. The entry level 75D model covers the 0-62 sprint in just under 4.9 seconds, while the 100D extends range and adds more pace, covering the same sprint in 4.7 seconds.
A P100D mode sits at the top of the range. It can get from a standstill to 62mph in just 3.1 seconds, which confirms it as the quickest SUV in the world.
The Cabin
The Tesla Model X boasts a cabin that’s light and practical.
- Quality – The Tesla Model X can’t quite compete with modern premium rivals on this front. Some of its materials are not top notch, and the design isn’t the most inspiring. The touchscreen will take a while to get used to.
- Comfort – The seats are plush and ride quality is good. The car makes for an excellent cruiser.
- Insulation – If serenity while cruising in a heavyweight SUV is what you’re looking for, the relaxing Tesla Model X is very, very quiet. Even once up to speed, only the faintest wind whistle creeps into the cabin.
- Space and Practicality – Available with either five or seven seats, the Tesla Model X is usable. Space is especially good in the first two seats, visibility for the driver is fantastic but while access is easy, it’s also slow, with the Falcon Wing rear doors taking 15 seconds to open. Leg and headroom is fine.
- Load Capacity – The boot at the rear has a total capacity of 2,180-litres once all the rear seats have been folded. A 187-litre boot at the front is a bonus.
Costs
Its purchase price is high, but once that’s out of the way buyers will be treated to a zero-emissions, cheap-to-run premium SUV.
- The car emits zero CO2 and has a BiK rating of 9% – the lowest possible.
- The entry level 75D model has an official range of 259 miles, while the 100D model can keep going for 351 miles on a single charge.
- Meanwhile, the P100D rounds the range off with an impressive 336 mile range.
- Overnight charging will set buyers back just a few quid. If you charge from one of Tesla’s Supercharger’s, you could top the battery back up to 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
- The Tesla Model X is exempt from road tax but, because it costs more than £40,000, buyers will still need to pay a £310 yearly surcharge from years 2 to 5.
- The car occupies insurance group 50 out of 50.
Need more information? Check out our full review of the Tesla Model X here, including comparisons with its closest rivals.