Tesla Model X, the Best Luxury SUV on the Market

Since its entry into the market with its Roadster, back in 2008, Tesla has always been seen as a very different car brand, well ahead of other automakers, in every way. Not only in the electric variant as such, but also in its engines, design, innovative concepts, state-of-the-art technology, avant-garde lines, and amazing powertrains.

That´s why it is not surprising that their newer cars look like models closer to the future than many of the other BEV models on the street today. A car that meets all these features is the characteristic, particular, technological and efficient Tesla Model X in its Plaid and Long Range versions.

It is a car that combines all the trends of the moment in the automotive sector: SUV, electric and autonomous. It is the trendiest car of the moment, without a doubt, and it does not have a direct rival to face at the moment. Born in 2017, it is the best (and most expensive) electric SUV that we can find among the different models of Elon Musk´s brand.

As I said before, the Tesla Model X is currently available in two versions: a dual motor, all-wheel drive (AWD) Long Range trim, and a new tri motor Plaid powertrain. Both trims offer Tesla’s best 91 cubic feet of cargo space. The newly refreshed Tesla Model X Long Range offers an estimated range of 360 miles, 11 miles less compared to the pre-refresh version. Having said that, it can still reach a top speed of 149 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. With an upgrade to the 22″ turbine wheels for an extra $5,500, you can get a higher top speed of 155 mph, at the sacrifice of 10 miles of range (350 mi). The previously sold Performance trim Model X has been dropped in exchange for a new tri motor Plaid version to match its Model S sibling. The upcoming Plaid Model X can travel an estimated range of 340 miles, reach a top speed of 149 mph, and zoom 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
It has a 17” Cinematic Display, with a 2200x1300 resolution, ultra bright, true colors and exceptional responsiveness; a clean, powerful yet invisible cabin conditioning, Tri-zone temperature controls; ventilated front seats and HEPA filtration come standard. Model X offers a spacious cabin with the world's largest panoramic windshield, and a choice of 5, 6 or 7-seat configuration to suit your lifestyle.

It was the company's first SUV, having a very futuristic design that is at the same time very elegant and in harmony with what Tesla has been doing with all its models. The back doors open like falcon wings: without a doubt the greatest visual feature in my opinion. It is presented with a very beautiful structure that matches its personality. This has made more and more users to love it despite its high price tag. In addition, Tesla recently improved some details such as the front and rear lights, that have a certain similarity with the Model S and the Model 3, which are more compact sedans.

The Model X 100D was the third Tesla model in production. The first one was the Tesla Roadster, and the second was the Tesla Model S. After the SUV, the brand launched other models that are already on the market, such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model Y, which we have already covered and discussed in articles before; in addition to other models like the Cybertruck that was also already presented, but that will not be on the market until 2022, as per the last update we have available from Tesla.

With the most power and quickest acceleration of any SUV, according to their specifications, Model X Plaid is a high performing vehicle. Both Long Range and Plaid powertrains, with updated battery architecture, can deliver instant torque at any speed. The Long Range and Plaid platforms unite powertrain and battery technologies for unrivaled performance, range and efficiency. New module and pack thermal architecture allows faster charging and gives more power and endurance in all conditions. It comes with wireless gaming: up to 10 teraflops of processing power enables in-car gaming on-par with today’s newest consoles. Wireless controller compatibility lets you game from any seat; you can stay connected with its multi-device bluetooth, wireless and USB-C charging for every passenger, with enough power to fast-charge your tablets and laptop; and an amazing audio system with a 22-speaker, 960-watt audio system with active noise canceling that offers an incredible listening experience at home or on the road.

With the most storage space and towing capacity of any electric SUV, and seating for up to seven adults, Model X delivers maximum utility. Front doors open and close automatically, Falcon Wing doors allow for easier loading and a standard trailer hitch lets you bring your gear anywhere you go. With the lowest drag coefficient of any SUV, Model X is built for speed and range. Refined aerodynamic elements work together with new wheels and tires to help you travel farther, with sharper handling and better ride comfort.

The safety features are amazing as well: Model X is built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, with a high-strength architecture and floor-mounted battery pack for occupant protection and low rollover risk. Every Model X includes Tesla’s latest active safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, at no extra cost. Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability introduces additional features and improves existing functionality to make the Model X more capable over time including: Navigate on Autopilot: active guidance from highway on-ramp to off-ramp; Auto Lane Change: automatically change lanes while driving on the highway; Summon: automatically retrieve your car; and Autopark: parallel and perpendicular parking, with a single touch.

Definitely, the best option for an electric SUV at the moment, if price tags are not a problem for the buyer: the Long Range, dual-motor all wheel drive is $99,990 and the Plaid, tri-motor all wheel drive is $119,990 at the time of writing this article. The estimated delivery target is May/June 2022.

Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.