Officially unveiled in early 2015, the Tesla Model X is a Large SUV designed to accommodate up to a maximum of 7 passengers (or not, depending on the homologation) in total comfort and with the total absence of noise. As it is easy to understand, Model X is a car fully electric available now, for a few months actually, also with a super engine of over 1,000 horsepower.
Until last year, Tesla Model X was available for purchase in the following versions: Long Range, Performance and Plaid. Three versions that almost completely mirror those offered by the most famous (and best-selling) Model 3 and follow, instead entirely, those present on Model S which we will soon try in the Plaid variant. At present, according to the Tesla configurator, Model X can only be purchased in the Plaid version with deliveries estimated between January – March 2023. For the remaining versions, the dual-motor ones, everything is still in progress; we do not exclude that the manufacturer has some slight modifications in store and for this reason the famous Long Range and Performance have been removed.
The dimensions of Model X can be defined as important. 5 meters in length, almost 2.1 meters in width and a height of 1.62 meters. The wheelbase is over 3 metres, while the weight varies according to the version with the heaviest at around 2.5 tons. Curated by Franz von Holzhausen, former designer of Volkswagen, Mazda and General Motors, Model X is a Absolutely one of a kind SUV thanks to the presence of rear doors with gull-wing opening (Falcon Wings) equipped with ultrasonic proximity sensors capable of detecting any obstacles close to their range of action and consequently modifying the opening angle to avoid unpleasant situations .
What convinces us
With Model X Plaid, Tesla in addition to implementing a fierce and almost unique motorization on the market, integrates a series of expected changes also on the lower declinations. Unlike the previous models, in fact, we find a new motorized central screen dedicated to the occupants front is one rear, more compact and fixed, intended for passengers seated in the rear rows. The two screens are disconnected therefore it is possible to independently manage the reproduction of multimedia contents of any kind; a real gem for long journeys or, simply, at a standstill waiting for a complete recharge.
Numerous, almost as per tradition, the features present and which can be activated: come on heated and motorized seats up to the capillary configurations on each single component. On this Tesla it is possible to change and customize every single aspectyou will hardly be dissatisfied with it.
Among the most prominent novelties, even if we will talk about it in more detail later, the famous and much discussed Yoke joystick steering wheel; in a word, it is definitely “particular” and not suitable for everyone. You need practice to understand how it works, the scaling and above all how and where to place your hands to activate all the controls.
As mentioned, Tesla Model X is available in different declensions: 5, 6 and 7 seats (depending on the homologation received). Our sample was equipped with three rows of two seats, for a total of six single seats; a certainly particular configuration which, however, allows for high on-board roominess and good space for the rear luggage compartment (357 litres) to be used in combination with the front one (183 litres) if space is not enough. In any case, by folding down the seats it is possible to obtain the extreme capacity of 2,500 litres: an almost unthinkable value for a road car.
What doesn’t convince us
In general they are few elements that did not convince us of this 1,020-horsepower Model X Plaid. Surely among the aspects that have left us a mix of sensationswe find the front display which, despite the dominant position over the steering system, is not easy to look at and almost not intuitive at all. Of course we are in the field of subjective sensations, linked both to the driving style and to the height of the driver; therefore, we recommend that you take these statements with due weight. Despite its very good size, the enormous windshield (the largest ever installed in a car!) and the central display itself convey enough information to make the front panel almost superfluous.
To keep Model X Plaid glued together, Tesla installed a fixed small spoiler which unfortunately creates some turbulence at high speeds thus generating a slight noise (perceptible to the occupants of the last row). Some perplexity also on the assemblages that, in some situations, they have generated unexpected crunches on a 140,000 euro car: we don’t know if this is normal, as our car was dedicated exclusively to the press (editor’s note, even the rims are not standard ones, but a lower class model) and probably a untreated demo specimen just with kid gloves. We are sure that the car intended for public use will be perfect from all points of view.
How to drive
1,020 horses: do you know how many there are? We tell you, many indeed many. Despite the size of Model X Plaid, the available power is so much as to make the car very fast in all phases of acceleration. Starting from a standstill is embarrassing, in the good sense of the word: lo shot is 2.6 seconds* (0-100 km/h) and just under 8 seconds in 100-200 km/h. To give a more precise measure, the same time required for a Porsche 991.2 GT3 RS with over 500 horsepower (a 2-seater supercar destined for the track).
L’graphic effect of shooting modewhich simulates the movie scene when Space Ball 1 travels at stratospheric speed, is cute and something different than usual. For maximum acceleration it is necessary to wait a few moments for the car to have the batteries hot enough to deliver all the power.
(* the shot, as reported by Tesla itself, is without the rollout phases. It is therefore not the “true” measurable value in everyday life, as no car starts launched as if it were on a slingshot. We believe it is legitimate to add a couple of tenths at the declared time; in any case it is an extremely low value).
The control is maximum, thanks to the possibility of adjusting every aspect of the structure, and almost unexpected; certainly don’t expect the performance of a true sports car in tight mixed terrain, but Model X Plaid is certainly capable of offering excellent driving sensations.
How’s the Yoke doing? Mixed sensations. In our opinion, on the motorway or in serene and measured driving conditions it is certainly an extremely comfortable solution; different speech for sporty driving, perhaps not even the true ambitions of this car, where it seems more complicated to understand where to place your hands for a dynamic and sharp driving. It’s probably mostly one mere habitbut in these few hundred km we were not able to get a 100% clear idea.
Starting from the Tesla dealership in Peschiera Borromeo theautonomy marked was 499 km, a value perhaps also parameterized by the previous guide. Driving along the motorway that led us to Aosta we reached our destination (215 km of journey) with a residual range of about 130 km. To be precise, we did not follow the best practices to be adopted with electric cars, in fact we frequently exploited the acceleration of the Model X Plaid, covered a few shots on a private road and traveled at 130 km/h for almost all the time (respecting the limits). In our opinion, with more measured driving it is possible to approach the WLTP value.
Is it worth it?
Tesla Model X Plaid is definitely a Extremely fierce SUV and the most powerful in its class. The dimensions are important, the habitability high and the thrust infinite. There is no real competition at the moment and if you are looking for an electric travel car with lots of power and immense comfort, the Tesla Model X Plaid can be an excellent solution. Price? Starting from 144 thousand euros.
