There are three power outputs for the electric motor. The version we had for our test drive was the top of the range P100D which can accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds. It doesn’t feel like it has all that power when you’re driving it less like a hooligan, but when you really put your foot down you’ll feel the torque push you into the back of your seat as the Model X accelerates as if it had a V12 under the hood. It actually is quite contagious actually and the Ludacris Mode is just that, you’ll have to have knuckles of steel to handle it. We didn’t get to really play around much in that mode nor drive it like a hooligan because the example we had was someone else’s and they were onboard with us. We limited our play to driving around on the highway and got to sneak in a few twisty roads. The steering feedback is good but the handling is what amazes us. The weight of the electric motors all sit between the front and rear wheels so the center of gravity is much better than any mass production crossover today, in fact we think that it would be almost impossible to roll this thing over.
Driving around town is quite easy with the Model X, as the steering is precise and offers the feedback you desire. What we love the most about the Model X is the presence it has on the road. It quite literally looks like no other car and won’t be hard to find in a parking lot. The driving position is spot-on good and the overall visibility outwards is where it needs to be. The windshield and panoramic sunroof offer such an airy feeling cabin and of course the cool little features the Model X comes with are worth noting; when you sit side of the car and buckle your seatbelt, the driver’s side door automatically closes for you. You simply depress the brake pedal and the car automatically activates (of course you have to have the key inside the vehicle with you) and away you go.
You can choose from several different configurations. The version we had was the five-seat and would most likely be the version we would choose if we were looking to get a Model X. We’ve had the opportunity to sit in one with six and seven seats and both are actually quite roomy and the boot space isn’t severely compromised, although we do wish that there was an option for regular hinged doors instead of the Falcon Wing Doors. Don’t get us wrong here, we love how graceful they lift up and how they can be opened in the narrowest of parking spaces, but when it comes to practicality it really fails on that aspect. Please note: everyone will notice you when you open the rear door. Well, it’s hard not to notice anyone exiting a vehicle with doors that lift all the way up to the roof of the car.
The standard features list on the Model X is quite good considering this vehicle costs as much as it does, if have to ask you clearly can’t afford one. We clearly can’t afford one even in our wildest dreams. 22-inch alloy wheels are standard, as well as air-suspension, power-folding mirrors and three-position dynamic LED turn lights for nighttime visibility; LED fog lights, premium leather seats, 400kWh worth of free annual Supercharger credits and Bioweapon Defense Mode.
Despite what people will tell you, the Tesla Model X isn’t the cheapest of the bunch when it comes to purchase price but it certainly makes up for that with low running costs. It’s cheaper to tax than most crossovers due to the fact that it’s zero emissions and that tax credit should help take some sting out of the purchase price, don’t expect major discounts with Tesla but there may be some room for haggling.
Our time spent with the Model X was short, and we certainly do wish we could’ve spent more time with it. It’s fast, easy to live with and quite enjoyable to drive. The falcon doors are annoying and well that’s all we really have to complain about; like we said in the intro if you have the means to buy one and keep it recharged then we say it’s worth buying.
Likes: It’s insanely fast with running the running costs of a small hatchback. You can choose between 5-7 seats and the standard kit is generous.
Dislikes: It’s not cheap to buy. The falcon doors are annoying and are prone to reliability issues.
Our pick: The 70D makes the most sense for those who want a Model X and don’t really need the insanely fast trims.
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