Tesla is a company making waves, and its all-electric Model X could make the biggest one yet. The Model X is the world’s first all-electric SUV, and it made its debut at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the Model 3 which aims to bring EVs to the masses, the Model X was Tesla’s first foray into the ultra-luxurious market, complete with “ludicrous mode”.
It’s so impressive, a recent video, posted to YouTube by DragTimes, shows the Tesla Model X P100D crossover SUV beating a Lamborghini Aventador in a drag race by 0.05 seconds. Despite the Aventador being around 1,200 pounds lighter than Elon Musk’s flagship, the Tesla Model X not only beat its Italian rival (albeit by a small margin), it set a world record for the quickest SUV with a quarter mile time of 11.418 seconds at 118mph.
Although we didn’t get to drive the Model X following last year’s unveiling, we did get hands-on time with the unique functions of the SUV, such as its outrageous Falcon-wing doors, dual boot space – and it could be the most exciting EV we’ve ever seen. Here is our original hands-on review.
Tesla Model X: First impressions
The Tesla stand was by no means the biggest at the Geneva Motor Show, but it drew one of the biggest crowds, and that was mainly down to the Model X. On first inspection, the Model X SUV looks far less imposing than you’d expect. It’s certainly bigger than a Model S, but doesn’t seem to have the heft of something like a Land Rover or Volvo XC90; instead it’s shaped more like a large hatchback.
Tesla Model X: Interior
However, it’s deceptively huge. Because of its electrified powertrain, Tesla engineers have been able to play with spaces that are unheard of in a traditional car. Like other Teslas, the Model X’s batteries are stored low down in the chassis – and this means areas in the front and rear of the car are free for luggage space. The Model X has a huge front boot, and even when configured with seven seats, the Tesla packs in a good amount of space in the rear.
The cabin itself is familiar from the other Tesla models in the range, and features the same huge 17in touchscreen we’ve already seen on the Tesla Model S. But thanks to what the company says is the largest curved windscreen fitted to a car, it feels open and spacious. And Tesla’s unique Model X doors make getting into the cabin just as interesting.
Tesla Model X: Falcon Wing doors
Although they seem like a gimmick, even in the short time I had with the Model X, they seemed to add an extra element of accessibility to the car. Tesla says that the doors are designed to make it easier to reach into the car or park in smaller spaces, and I think it’s actually onto something. Despite being an often-clumsy individual of 6ft 3in, the Tesla’s Model X doors opened well above me, and let me gracefully enter the cabin without shaming myself. And before you ask, sensors on the doors stop them from hitting low ceilings – Tesla has thought of that, too.
Even under the surface, the Model X is groundbreaking. Like a conventional car, the Tesla draws air into the cabin and filters it through a Hepa filter, or recycles the air already inside the cabin. However, a third option that Tesla is calling “bioweapon defense mode” goes one better, and forces air in to pressurise the cabin. The result? Minute dust particles, pollution and other particles are kept out.
Tesla Model X: Hands-on verdict
So, what’s the initial verdict? Although what we experienced was only a taste of what makes the Model X special, our time with the company’s top-flight SUV gave us a glimpse of exactly why Tesla is so excited about the Model X. Simply put, it blends practicality with the kind of performance which will please the most performance-obsessed. For example, the P90D Tesla Model X with Ludicrous mode can hit 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds, but it can also tow a caravan of up to 2,270kg – and do it comfortably with its dynamic air suspension.
When you combine the Model X’s innovations with a 250-mile range and a genuinely ridiculous turn of speed, it’s easy to see why Elon Musk is excited about the Model X. Essentially, it seems to provide all the advantages of an EV and more besides, but without any of the drawbacks. We can’t wait to get behind the steering wheel.
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