It was in early 2012 that Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] first unveiled a prototype version of the Model X and confirmed the electric crossover for production.
and confirmed the electric crossover for production. Now the first examples have been handed over to their eagerly awaiting customers, an event that took place overnight at a special ceremony held at Tesla’s plant in Fremont, California.
During the event, Musk conceded that some of the unique requirements for the vehicle went a little too far. There are, of course, the much-hyped ‘Falcon Wing’ rear doors, and in addition to these there’s a huge windshield that stretches from the hood to the center of the roof, an automatic front door and a special cabin filter capable of hospital-grade cleanliness.
2016 Tesla Model X
Enlarge PhotoJust two versions are being offered at launch, a 90D and a P90D, and both are fitted with a 90-kilowatt-hour battery, the biggest Tesla is offering at present. Both also come standard with Tesla’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. As previously reported, the 90D starts at $133,200 while the P90D will set you back $143,200. Both figures include Tesla’s $1,200 destination charge.
As measured by the EPA, the 90D is good for 90/94 mpge city/highway and 92 combined, and with a range of 257 miles. The P90D’s numbers come in at 89/90 mpge city/highway and 89 combined, and with a range of 250 miles.
The P90D is the one with the “Ludicrous Speed” option; this enables the Model X to hit 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and pass the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds—truly mindboggling figures for a mid-size crossover with the capacity to carry seven adults and tow up to 5,000 pounds. Versions with smaller batteries—and smaller price tags—will come later, and a rear-wheel-drive model hasn’t been ruled out. In general, the Model X will cost you $5k more than a comparable Model S, so it’s possible we’ll see Model X pricing approach $70k.
2016 Tesla Model X
Enlarge PhotoInside, the look is the similar to what you’ll find in the Model S—with the big 17-inch display included. Tesla says the Model X, along with the Model S, will also get all of its Autopilot autonomous driving features, as they become available. The features will be added via software updates in the near future.
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