Tesla Model X Review

The revolutionary Tesla Model X is a feat of engineering that is making heads turn on both sides of the street.

This all electric SUV is a top choice for luxury midsize SUVs. Its high starting price however leaves many potential buyers out in the cold but for those with a budget that allows for a Tesla, there isn’t a better choice out there.

AWD is standard as well as a plethora of other features that make the Model X a pleasure to drive (or be driven seeing as it comes with a revolutionary self-driving option). It also comes with plenty of cargo space and interior comfort, as well as with Falcon Wing style doors that allow for parking in the smallest of spots without dinging the vehicles parked nearby.

The Model X possesses a driving range of between 237 and 295 miles depending on the battery you choose while also being one of the fastest vehicles (not just SUVs) on the road today with the top model rocketing from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The slowest you'll get to 60 mph in the Model X is 6 seconds in the base 75D.

The Model X has no engine. Alternatively, you get the choice of 3 different battery types: the standard 75 kWh, 90 kWh, or the 100 kWh.

MPG-E (which stands for: miles per gallon [gasoline] equivalent) is the measurement used to give the same estimation of a MPG rating for gas powered vehicles. With that said, the Model X gets 91/mpg-e in the city and 95/mpg-e on the highway. The 90D Model gets 90/mpg-e in the city and 94/mpg-e on the highway while the P100D gets 81/ mpg-e in the city and 92/mpg-e on the highway.

One of the biggest worries for individuals unfamiliar with Tesla vehicles is the whole deal with charging and how it’s done. The Model X is charged using a standard household outlet giving you around 30 miles of range per hour of charging. You have the option to upgrade to the 240-volt charger and you'll get about 46 miles of range per hour of charging. In addition to charging your Tesla at home, you can charge the Model X on Tesla's in-progress Supercharger network. At these charging stations, you can add up to 160 miles of range in 30 minutes. Tesla Supercharging and regular charging stations are located nationwide at select rest stops, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers making it a whole lot easier to own and operate a Tesla than many are lead to believe.

The Model X’s handling is spectacular, especially considering its high curb weight. You won’t believe you’re in an SUV if you step inside a Model X with its tight steering, responsive handling and the purr of the powerful battery.

The Model X has both a front and rear trunk making a total of 88.1 cubic feet of cargo space. There is an optional third row that is sized more for children than adults and can be folded flat when not in use. 

There are others in the class that don’t have as much road noise in the cabin and perhaps exhibit a slightly higher-quality of interior materials than the Model X.

The Tesla Model X interior comes in 4 styles. Style availability varies by trim level, but the options are: Black W/Light Headliner (Leather), Multi-Pattern Black (Leather/Cloth), White (Leather), Tan (Leather).

The exterior of the Model X gives way to thought that it might just be a regular ol' gas-guzzling SUV; however, it will cause many to do a double-take because of its sleek design and simple yet dynamic color options as well as eye-catching Falcon Wing doors. 

Useful as they might be in tight parking spots, the Falcon Wing doors don't allow for a roof rack for skis, canoes, car bags, etc which can be a deal-breaker for some that require that extra space for trips.

The Tesla Model X exterior comes in 7 color variants. Color availability varies by trim level, but the options are: Deep Blue Metallic, Midnight Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black Metallic, Silver Metallic, Solid Black, Red Multi-Coat, and Pearl White Multi-Coat.

The Tesla Model X has not undergone crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Highway Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is not uncommon for a luxury class.

Safety features for the Model X come standard with collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, as well as a rearview camera. Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot is also available which works by using 4 cameras and 12 sonar sensors to detect fast-approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes. It allows the Model X to maintain its speed relative to traffic, stay within a lane, automatically change lanes, merge onto highways and exit highways.

Enhanced Autopilot enables the Model X to identify parking spots and park itself and when you're ready to go out again, you can call for the car using your phone. Full Self-Driving mode is also available. This option doubles the amount of cameras from 4 to 8 and does almost everything a human driver can do. Just get in and sit back as the Model X drives itself to your destination. Be aware, however, that no amount of technology can substitute for a physical driver, so always remember to stay alert. Even Tesla recommends that the driver stay alert to what’s happening on the road and be prepared to step in and take over if need be.

Value is certainly a difficult thing to factor in when considering a Tesla since the Model X is essentially the most advanced and futuristic vehicle available for ownership today. In that sense, it’s nearly impossible to assign a value to the Model X.

The Model X has not been been tested for reliability. Tesla generously covers the Model X with a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and an 8-year/infinite-mile battery and drive unit warranty.

This years Model X is arguably the best midsize luxury SUV money can buy. It offers unparalleled range for an electric vehicle and some of the most advanced technology available today.

If your budget allows for the consideration of a Model X, you surely won’t be disappointed. With Tesla’s fast-charging stations growing every day nationwide, going electric is only going to become easier and easier to maintain and you can sleep well knowing you are using a completely renewable form of transportation with zero emissions—that also happens to meet all speed-demon requirements which is definitely a plus.

Tesla has equipped many add-on features that allow for customization which make it easy to find a perfect balance between the amount of power you require and the level of self-driving capabilities you want.

To sum up, Tesla’s Model X is a futuristic beast of an electric machine that leaves its rivals in its dust easily with its zero-to-60 in 2.9 seconds.