A new image of the Model X by The Kilowatts gives us our best look at refreshed Model X. The vehicles in the picture have spoiler making it more likely to be the Plaid variant.
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Since Tesla announced the refreshed Model S & X back in January we have seen may be close to 100 new Model S testing on Tesla’s track, testing on the road, supercharging, loaded up on a truck, we even had a video of the new Model S user interface which showed off Insane Mode, Drag Strip Mode, and Smart Shifter.
As a result, all the focus has been on the refreshed Model S. Also most of the time when Musk talks about the refresh to the Model S and X, he usually references the Plaid Model S. However, arguably the Model X is the more important vehicle for Tesla’s line up.
For one, the SUV market is bigger than the sedan market. So Tesla has a chance of selling more Model X. This will increase Tesla’s revenue and also improve economies of scale which will be better for the company’s bottom line.
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And more significantly, at least when it comes to Tesla’s stated mission of “accelerating the advent of sustainable energy”, SUVs since bigger and less aerodynamic, burn more fuel per distance traveled and replacing SUVs Tesla will be able to get much closer to the company’s goal of sustainability with the Model X.
However, the new Model X has been hard to come by. There were some images early on that showed the vehicle from above. But the picture was from above and it was impossible to see any details.
That is until now, the Kilowatts in their drive around Tesla’s Fremont factory were able to spot two refreshed Model X vehicles. Both vehicles have a spoiler making them more likely to be the Model X’s Plaid variant.
As you can see from the pictures we still would like to have a closer look at the vehicle. However, even if we don’t get any new spy shots deliveries of the vehicle are around the corner.
According to Tesla, Model X deliveries will start shortly after the new Model S starts delivery. Given the plethora of Model S sightings, deliveries are imminent and this would mean the new Model X is also a few weeks away.
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Even though Musk seems to be most excited about the Plaid Model S, the Model X is arguably a more impressive vehicle. Tesla’s Faberge egg already had features such as ultrasonic sensors that can see through metal and falcon-wing doors which aren’t available in any other vehicles.
And now with the new update, the Plaid Model X gets an impressive 0 to 60 time of 2.5 seconds. This makes it a 7 seat SUV that is as quick as the Buggati Veyron. The vehicle can also go flat out 163 miles per hour. Tesla didn’t release the quarter-mile time for the X however, it is sure to be impressive.
In addition, the new Model X also comes packed with several technology features such as active noise cancelation, 10 teraflops GPU, a Neural Net powered gear shift and windshield wipers.
So what do you think? Are you more excited about the new Model S or X? Which do you think is the more impressive vehicle? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below.
For more information check out: Elon Musk Confirms New Tesla Model S Seats 7, But These Questions Remain Also, see Here is How ARK Invest And Cathie Wood’s New Research Gives Tesla A $3T Market Cap
Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and The evolution of the EV space on a daily basis for several years. He covers everything about Tesla from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.
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Definitely the Model S Plaid
Definitely the Model S Plaid is more interesting to me than the new Model X. I am glad that Tesla decided to offer the refreshed interior and Plaid drivetrain updates in the new Model X, but I still see the Model S Plaid (and later Plaid+) as Tesla's halo models, until the new Roadster comes out. As with all SUVs and crossovers, they do the best that they can being taller, heavier, and less aerodynamic than passenger cars are. But especially for the Plaid models, the Model X falls short in every performance capability compared to the Model S. And only adds extra interior space and the ability to carry more people. Being Tesla's performance halo car, ALL of the (unofficial) track records for the prototype Plaid models have been made by the Model S. Realistically, it is quite possible that they had the Roadster drivetrain underneath. The Model X Plaid definitely has even more "sleeper" value than the Model S Plaid does, because you would never suspect for a BIG, 7-seat, crossover to be as quick as it is. But the Model Y and Model X are kinda like your favorite overweight olympic athletes. It is surprising how capable they are, but they not comparable to their trimmer, sleeker, lighter sedan brothers. The Model X Plaid will easily become the quickest SUV/crossover in the world, but that title doesn't compare to the Model S Plaid (and later Plaid+) because they will be the quickest production vehicles sold, bar none. Hopefully later this month. And the Plaid Model S should soon start setting track records on many tracks, not only drag strips, and not just for electric cars. Even though we are seeing pictures of the new Model X's, I am not sure that they aren't test models. I expect that the new Model X should trail the new Model S deliveries by at least a month, but I would love to be wrong.
I've owned both.
I've owned both.
The S is more handsome, nimble, and far quicker.
The X can haul more and has a higher ride height to help visibility in city driving.
If I lived in a more rural environment I'd prefer a Model S, but in the City I will lose a bit of acceleration and handling to gain better perspective on drivers around me. Plus the presenting doors are really practical. Model X for me.