Tesla-Model-X
It goes without saying that Tesla has developed, and is continuing to develop, a unique and technically advanced vehicle that has the very real potential to revolutionise the way we drive around this country of ours.
Whilst the latest offering to the Australian market place is the Model X, the USA has been driving this model for at least 6 months now. It makes up the second in three of Tesla’s offerings behind the Model S and soon to be manufactured Model 3 – their vehicle for the mass market.
Yes I have driven the Model S and also recently went to a static display where the LHD Demo White Model X was being shown to all and sundry – in a shopping centre no less!
As I approached the Model X it stood out, not only for the fact the ‘Falcon Wing’ doors were open but because of the sheer size of this beast. Whilst it does seem similar to its Model S stable mate from the front it’s simply is in a category of its own from all other angles!
Tesla seems to have successfully merged a large SUV with a sports car type drive train that can push its bulk down the road in a very unsociable, but dignified, manner. You see this model on display is a P90D complete with Ludicrous Mode, so it’s worth noting that this model has since been superseded by the flagship P100D including Ludicrous Mode.
Tesla says it’s good for a 0-100klm time of just over 3 seconds – that’s impressive for a SUV of this size in anybody’s language.
Sitting inside the Model X was a pleasure as this demo had the 6 seat option that I liked as you can get access to the 2 furthest seats by simply walking between the middle 2 seats. There was sufficient head height as those ‘Falcon Wing’ doors open up a part of the roof as well. This is great news for moving a young child in or out that requires a baby capsule or booster seat.
I must point out that those 3rd row sears don’t have as much head height or leg room as the second row but are more than capable of accommodating 2 adults.
The front seats were comfortable with the dash layout being the same as the Model S. The front windscreen went way over your head and it gave you a great sense of openness. One question I have is how that would stand up in the unfortunate event of a roll over? I am assured that it doesn’t get too hot in summer as it is tinted during the manufacturing process for UV and heat.
Pricing:
This is where it can get expensive. You see Tesla announced just before the official release of the vehicle to the Australia market, that they were discontinuing the 60D option that was to start at just over $122k (plus on roads) and therefore be their entry level Model X.
That now falls to the 75D at just over $128 (plus on roads) in the basic format. The only benefit that the 75D gives you over the 60D is the range – no extra power – with the range increasing by approx. 20%. You see the tests that Tesla undertook showed the range achievable with a 60D was not long enough as this vehicle is heavier and overall bigger than the Model S.
At the time of writing this article the on road cost for this model without any extras is approx. $151k in NSW, $147k in Qld and $152k in Victoria. However it comes very well appointed as it has a lot of the options available in the Model S as standard equipment in the Model X, however if you choose premium paint, different tyres/wheels, bigger battery capacity or the aptly name Premium Upgrades Package you will see the price sky rocket.
There are two features that you don’t have to buy right now that can be upgraded at any time via the cars software, that’s the Enhanced Auto Pilot and the Full Self Drive capability. Whilst all Tesla’s come with the hardware installed from the factory for these features tesla has to enable the software for them to work. There is still a cost however there will be no GST, LCT or SD payable if you upgrade afterwards.
I recommend that you go with the Enhanced Auto Pilot as a minimum and then add in the Full Self Drive option once the legal hurdles are overcome and the full functionality has been tested and released by Tesla.
In summary, this Tesla SUV is quite a bit of kit. I looks modern, is spacious, quiet, and holds its own when on the road and gives you piece of mind that any further software upgrades can be done over the air so you are assured of keeping your vehicle up to date even as it ages.
I prefer to call it a large SUV as it is big and will not doubt go head to head with the larger luxury SUV on offer from the likes of Mercedes Benz, Audi, and Lexus amongst others. It might be expensive fully loaded but then again it has green credentials, the style factor and that unique street presence that other manufacturers cannot offer – yet!