Tesla Model X Review

EV Universe

The original large electric luxury SUV soldiers on in an increasingly crowded field

In the Tesla lineup, the Model X often seems underappreciated, yet it may well deserve more attention. Tesla introduced the concept of the Model X over a decade ago, with the pre-production model making its mark in 2012. Remarkably, this model remains a highly advanced and practical luxury SUV even after all these years.

In our Tesla Model X review, we recall how, at its introduction, many referred to it as the world’s first electric luxury SUV. This statement was on point. The Model X set a new standard, offering an electric luxury vehicle with practical range and superior utility to combustion engine counterparts.

Now, over a decade later, competition is only beginning to close the gap. Mercedes has launched a three-row electric EQS SUV for 2023, yet BMW’s iX and Audi’s Q8 e-tron offer only two rows of seats. Volvo’s three-row all-electric EX90 is still a year from hitting the market.

Perhaps it’s time to give Tesla’s less-hyped Model X its due credit? Our review highlights the Model X’s signature futuristic design, access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, and the latest interior upgrades. Despite the high price tag, which is matched by competitors, it remains a compelling choice in the luxury EV SUV segment.

‌

Tesla Model X Review: EVU Hot Take

Pros:

• The biggest Tesla product, offering the company’s key benefits at a larger size
• A significant step up in luxury from the company’s other cars
• Blistering performance relative to its size, loads of top safety marks
  ‌

Cons:

• Pricetag has swelled to being six-figure territory no matter the trim
• Said pricetag knocks it out of U.S. federal tax incentive territory under new rules
• Despite significant facelifts, still feels more dated and spartan than newest competition
  ‌

Tesla Model X Review: Unique Exterior Design

The Tesla Model X stands out with its distinct and easily recognizable design. It sports a sleek and modern aesthetic. The overall look is reminiscent of the aerodynamic style of the Model S. However, the Model X takes on a taller and broader stance to accommodate its larger frame.

One distinguishing feature is its panoramic windshield. This expansive windshield stretches over the front seats, becoming one of the largest pieces of automotive glass in production. Offering an unparalleled skyward view, it also enhances the sense of spaciousness within the vehicle.

The Model X’s design aligns with the Tesla family aesthetic. It features a clean, streamlined front fascia. Traditional grilles are replaced with a simple, smooth front bumper. The SUV’s LED headlights are a clear deviation from the Model S’s. These are thicker and more upright, a nod to the SUV’s taller proportions.

The rear design is also impressive. It flaunts a stylish, sloped roofline, bearing a similarity to the BMW X6. Moreover, there’s a deployable rear spoiler. It adjusts automatically for optimal aerodynamics, a design strategy aimed at maximizing the vehicle’s range.

Tesla Model X Review: Futuristic Features and Practical Packaging

The Model X is defined by its trademark Falcon Wing doors, which are both practical and futuristic. These doors hinge at the top and open upwards, allowing easy access to the second and third rows even in tight spaces. The doors have sensors that allow them to adjust their opening arc to avoid hitting nearby obstacles, providing a unique solution to the challenge of accessing rear seats in tight parking spaces.

Furthermore, these Falcon Wing doors are designed with safety in mind and can blow off automatically in the event of a severe collision, ensuring passengers can exit the vehicle if the main power is cut off. It’s also worth noting that the Falcon Wing doors require less side clearance than traditional car doors, making them a practical solution in tight parking spaces.

As for seating arrangements, the Model X offers versatility with its 5, 6, and 7 seat options. The five-seat configuration is the traditional two in front, three in the back layout. The six-seat layout provides more comfort and space with two rows of individual captain’s chairs followed by a third row. Finally, the seven-seat layout features a second-row bench with three seats, followed by a third row.

The packaging of the Model X is cleverly designed, providing impressive space efficiency for an electric vehicle. Its EV platform allows for a spacious interior while maintaining a sleek and stylish exterior, and Tesla has managed to accommodate a third row of seats, a rarity in electric SUVs.

In conclusion, the Tesla Model X beautifully merges form and function in its exterior design, making it a compelling choice for those in the market for an electric SUV.

Tesla Model X Review: Interior, Features and Tech

Interior Design and Comfort

The Tesla Model X sets itself apart with a refreshingly modern and minimalistic interior design. Its center dashboard is dominated by a large 17-inch touchscreen, which serves as the primary control center for the majority of the vehicle’s functions, ranging from climate control to navigation, and entertainment features. As of the 2022 model year, this central screen received a significant update, transitioning from a portrait orientation to landscape, bringing it in line with the Model 3 and Model Y’s design.

The Model X offers a variety of seating configurations to cater to a wide array of buyer needs. The five-seat layout provides plenty of passenger space and a significant cargo capacity, while the six-seat configuration includes two seats in each row for enhanced personal space and easy access to the third row. For maximum passenger capacity, the seven-seat configuration is available.

Features and Technology

In terms of tech features, the Model X comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance technology. This system is capable of steering, accelerating, and braking automatically under certain conditions and includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Tesla continues to refine and enhance Autopilot’s capabilities through periodic software updates.

The driver benefits from a customizable digital instrument cluster that displays vital vehicle information. A significant change in the 2022 refresh included an option to choose between a traditional round steering wheel and a futuristic, yoke-style wheel. This yoke design stirred controversy due to its departure from conventional steering methods, but it undeniably contributes to the vehicle’s futuristic ambiance.

Tesla Model X Review: Safety, Materials and Sustainability

Safety

The Model X’s safety performance is a combination of innovative tech features and solid design principles. Its low center of gravity, attributed to the floor-mounted battery, minimizes the risk of rollovers. The vehicle’s impressive performance in crash tests led to it receiving a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a testament to its robust safety features.

Materials and Sustainability

The interior materials of the Model X offer both luxury and sustainability. Tesla has offered a vegan interior option since 2016, appealing to environmentally conscious customers. The seats are adorned with high-quality synthetic leather, paired with tasteful trim options.

In summary, the Model X’s interior is a harmonious blend of style, function, and forward-thinking tech, offering a unique combination of luxury and practicality that few vehicles in its class can match.

‌

Tesla Model X Review: Driving Experience – Performance and Acceleration

Climbing into the Model X is always an event, thanks in part to its unique Falcon Wing doors. Once nestled inside, the ride is smooth and eerily silent, an effect accentuated by the lack of engine noise you’d typically associate with an SUV of this size.

Upon pressing the accelerator, you’re met with immediate, unrelenting acceleration, no matter which trim you’re driving. The instant torque that’s a hallmark of electric vehicles is very much present here. Even in the base trim, the Model X surges forward with authority, pushing you back into your seat in a way that few other vehicles – let alone SUVs – can manage. If you’re fortunate enough to experience the Model X Plaid, that sensation is amplified to an almost ludicrous degree, making it feel more like a supercar than an SUV.

Tesla Model X Review: Driving Experience – Handling and Comfort

The Model X boasts a stable and composed drive, thanks to its low center of gravity afforded by the under-floor battery pack. The SUV takes corners with confidence and exhibits far less body roll than you’d expect from a vehicle of its size and stature. The standard adaptive air suspension does an excellent job at ironing out road imperfections, delivering a comfortable and controlled ride.

On the highway, the Model X’s adaptive cruise control and Autopilot system contribute to relaxed and effortless cruising. While Tesla’s Autopilot system isn’t perfect and still requires driver attention, it certainly reduces fatigue on long journeys. The regenerative braking system also works seamlessly, slowing the vehicle effectively as soon as you lift off the accelerator, while also feeding energy back into the battery.

In conclusion, driving the Tesla Model X is an exhilarating experience that perfectly blends luxury SUV comfort with supercar-like acceleration and the serene operation that only an electric vehicle can provide.

‌

Tesla Model X Review: Standard Powertrain

The standard Model X, despite being the base trim, is nothing short of a powerhouse. Powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, it churns out an impressive 670 horsepower. This powertrain ensures robust performance and excellent traction across a range of conditions. Moreover, it enables the Model X to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. This performance figure not only rivals many sports cars but is genuinely astounding for a vehicle of the Model X’s size and weight.

The absence of a combustion engine in the Model X ensures instant torque availability from a standstill, leading to the rapid acceleration that has become a trademark of Tesla vehicles. Additionally, the electric powertrain offers practical benefits such as reduced maintenance needs and lower running costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Tesla Model X Review:  Plaid Powertrain

The Model X Plaid represents a groundbreaking leap in performance. At its heart is a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, generating an astounding 1,020 horsepower. This immense power allows the Model X Plaid to achieve a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in about 2.5 seconds. Such speed rivals some of the world’s fastest supercars—a remarkable achievement for a large electric SUV. This clearly demonstrates Tesla’s superior expertise in electric powertrain engineering.

When comparing the Model X with other luxury SUVs of similar size, such as offerings from Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it stands unique. While these automakers craft luxurious and competent SUVs, none can match the Model X’s outstanding power output or its breathtaking acceleration.

In essence, the 2023 Model X embodies Tesla’s commitment to designing high-performance electric vehicles. These vehicles not only challenge but also surpass traditional ICE-powered cars in capability. Whether opting for the standard Model X with its impressive 670 horsepower, or the staggeringly fast Model X Plaid, you’re choosing an SUV that offers not just exhilarating performance, but also luxury and cutting-edge technology.

Tesla Model X Review: Electric Range and Charging

The base Model X can achieve between 330 and 348 miles of range on a single charge, per Tesla’s website. The Model X Plaid loses some range for its blistering performance, but is still claimed to achieve 311-333 miles on a single charge.

‌

The Model X benefits from the usual Tesla charging options. From Tesla: “Most range used for daily driving can be topped off using the 110V Mobile Connector Bundle, or upgrade to a 220V Tesla Wall Connector for the best home charging experience. For long drives, Model X adds up to 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes on Tesla’s Supercharger network.”

‌

Tesla’s charging network is well known by most EV buyers nowadays, and with good reason; it remains one of the best in the world, and many consider it integral to Tesla’s continued success.

‌

‌Tesla Model X Review: Model Year Differences 2015-2019

2015 Model X:

Tesla began Model X production in 2015, making a significant impact on the electric vehicle market with its Falcon Wing doors and innovative Autopilot 1 (AP1) hardware.

2016 Model X:

In 2016, Tesla upgraded several features. They introduced a vegan interior and next-gen premium in-house seats. Tesla redesigned the second-row seats on the 5 and 7-seater variants to a folding bench design. The Falcon Wing doors received enhancements, and door close dampers were added to prevent paint wear. Tesla’s in-house system, known as AP HW2, replaced Mobileye, improving the autopilot system.

2017 Model X:

In 2017, Tesla bundled interior options as part of the basic car specification. They removed the Active spoiler from the Model X design. Additionally, a software update known as “Uncorking” improved the 75D models’ performance by allowing faster acceleration.

2018 Model X:

Significant changes occurred in 2018. Tesla upgraded the Media Control Unit (MCU) to MCU2 for faster performance and standardised the tow bar, which was previously optional. They also upgraded the Autopilot Hardware to HW2.5, enabling features like the dashcam for HW2.5 and above.

2019 Model X:

2019 saw major improvements. Tesla replaced the smart air suspension system with an adaptive air suspension system. They switched to the permanent magnet motors first seen in Model 3, improving the Model X’s range and performance, a change known as “Raven”. Free unlimited supercharging was discontinued, then reintroduced for the first owner of Model S and Model X only. Tesla modified the European Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) to a 16A single-phase version but also offered 32A single-phase connectors.

‌Tesla Model X Review: Model Year Differences 2020+

2020 Model X:

In 2020, Tesla made the MCU2 upgrade available from MCU1, granting access to additional MCU2 features. They increased the Model X Long Range’s battery range, introducing the Long Range+ variant. They boosted the performance of Raven Performance models and introduced a new “Cheetah stance” launch mode. A new battery with slightly better range and performance (code BTXA) was introduced.

2021 Model X:

Tesla announced a subscription version of Full Self Driving (FSD) in the US in 2021. For cars built prior to November 2017, they noted the need for camera hardware updates to enable FSD beta using Tesla Vision, in addition to the necessary Autopilot computer upgrade to HW3.

2022 Model X:

Tesla redesigned the charge port area in 2022 to accommodate a native Combined Charging System (CCS) port. They made small detail changes, including a new charge flap design, rear light details, and trim updates. The bezel around the rear screen was made smaller and the MCU’s DDR memory was increased to 16GB.

2023 Model X:

In 2023, Tesla announced Autopilot HW4 changes and introduced Matrix headlights on the Model X. They released a CCS adapter in the US for Model S and Model X, which was already available in Europe and other regions. They introduced a new “Ultra Red” color, replacing the Multi-coat Red, and announced that they would not bring the refreshed Model S or Model X to RHD (Right Hand Drive) markets.

‌

Tesla Model X Review: Luxury Electric SUV Pricing

Occupying a unique niche in the automotive market, Tesla’s Model X commands a price tag that may initially appear steep. However, its value becomes more apparent when compared with other offerings within the luxury electric SUV segment.

The Model X initially hit the U.S. market with a price tag of around $130,000. This positioned it in the same league as other high-end SUVs, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. While the Model X may not match the traditional luxury of a Mercedes-Benz, it offers a unique blend. This includes an all-electric high-performance driving experience, distinctive design features, and advanced technology.

Fast forward to 2023, and the base price of the Model X has dropped to roughly $98,000, not including taxes and fees. Despite this reduction, the Model X’s entry price still resides in the six-figure realm. It is indeed a significant investment. However, the Model X is not merely a car. It serves as a status symbol and a technological showcase, echoing other vehicles within its price range.

Then there’s the Model X Plaid. For an extra $10,000 on top of the base price, buyers can experience performance comparable to that of a supercar. Thanks to a 1,020 horsepower tri-motor setup, the Model X Plaid offers unprecedented speed. When considering its performance compared to traditional internal combustion supercars, often with much higher price tags, the Model X Plaid presents a compelling value proposition.

In summary, the Model X’s price tag may seem a bargain or costly, depending on your perspective. If you’re seeking the cutting-edge of electric vehicle technology, top-tier performance, and the unique prestige of Tesla ownership, the Model X’s investment may appear more than justified.

‌

Tesla Model X Review: Final Thoughts

The Model X Impact and Market Evolution

The Tesla Model X, even after eight years, remains a hallmark in the electric SUV sector. It embodies Tesla’s tech prowess and design skills. Yet, the automobile landscape has significantly evolved since its inception. Although the recent interior facelift was welcome, it couldn’t completely rejuvenate the Model X’s aesthetics. Established luxury carmakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and newcomers like Rivian present compelling alternatives with modern looks and interfaces. The competition is set to heat up further with electric SUVs from Lucid, Volvo, and more on the horizon.

The Future of Model X

Despite the growing competition, the Model X continues to captivate Tesla enthusiasts with its performance, technology, and prestige. The Tesla brand’s robust appeal is evident in the Model X’s enduring popularity. However, the need for a comprehensive redesign is looming. Without it, the Model X could lose traction against newer, technologically superior rivals. The future of the Model X hinges on Tesla’s ability to innovate and stay ahead in this rapidly growing sector. As with the dynamic world of electric vehicles, only time will unveil what’s in store.

Images Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

More on EV Universe:

• Explore More EVs: Check out our comprehensive listings page for detailed information on top electric vehicles.
• Shop EV Parts: We’re more than just a source of information. Browse our extensive marketplace for a variety of EV parts and products.
• Insights & Updates: Stay updated in the world of electric vehicles with our insights section. Dive into our in-depth reviews, educational pieces, and the latest news.
• Find Your Perfect EV: Harness our EV Matchmaker tool to explore a diverse range of electric vehicles, filter by your preferences, and discover hidden gems that perfectly match your driving style and budget.