Overview
The Tesla Model X is an all-new battery electric crossover vehicle. It will aim to follow the success of the Model S premium sport sedan by combining leading EV technology with a unique design capable of seating up to 7 passengers.
Perhaps most striking is the vehicle's Falcon Wing rear doors. A double-hinged design is meant to allow easy entry for passengers to the second and third rows. Each one has a sensor that adjusts to prevent damage. Designed to move up and out, the doors are said to work in spaces as tight as 30 cm close to a neighboring vehicle. The Model X will be the first vehicle to get an "auto presenting door" that opens as the driver approaches with no touch required.
With the main battery located beneath the floor, Tesla says the Model X will have a low risk for rollover and will achieve a perfect 5-star crash safety rating. All versions will get a standard forward-looking camera, radar, and 360-degree sonar for the vehicle's "autopilot" autonomous driving system.
Three trim levels will be offered: a base 70D model featuring a 70 kWh battery with 220 miles range, a mid-range 90D with 90kWh battery and 257 miles range, and a top-spec P90D model with 250 miles range and optional Ludicrous Mode. The P90D may have a shorter range but cuts 0-60 acceleration from 4.8 seconds on the 90D to just 3.8 seconds. And that's not all- an optional Ludicrous Mode inches that down even further to as little as 3.2 seconds- the same time as a Porsche 911 Turbo.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Pricing & Release Date
Official starting prices have been released. The Model X 70D will start at $81,200 including Tesla's $1,200 destination charge. This equates to a $10,000 premium over the least-expensive Model S with rear-wheel drive, and a $5,000 difference with the least-expensive all-wheel drive Model S. Top-spec Signature models that debut at launch will cost between $132,000 and $144,000, according to Automotive News.
Tesla has been taking orders for shoppers willing to plunk down a $5,000 deposit. Initial deliveries began September 29 to customers with existing reservations. Tesla says deliveries for new reservations are being slated for the latter half of 2016.
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