Finally! The Tesla Model X

It took long enough, but all I can say is WOW.

We finally got the official reveal of the much anticipated, much delayed and much hyped Tesla entry into the SUV market. The Model X.

By now I’m sure we all know the story behind Tesla Motors and its rather forward thinking leader Elon Musk. They are leading the push toward “sustainable transportation”. This outside the box thinking has given us the Tesla Roadster, the Model S, the Dual Motor Performance variant of the Model S and now the Model X SUV. Each one serves as a test platform for the next model.

Just providing an electric vehicle that was similar in scope to other vehicles is fine, but Tesla always seems to far exceed what we’d expect from any typical vehicle in features or performance. They’ve done it again with the Model X.

Well back to the story. After long delays for whatever reason, we now have the official reveal of the SUV benchmark. I must say, I love it and it’s fair to say it provides some surprises that we didn’t see coming. But then again, just doing an electric SUV though great wouldn’t be Tesla’s style. They had to raise the bar with some features they know other manufacturers won’t be able to match anytime soon.

First of all the appearance bears the family resemblance of course. It looks like a taller Model S. This is not a bad thing. The one surprise in this area is the front end. Every leaked photo, etc we saw revealed the same black nose-cone as the Model S. This has come to be a design trait. The official Model S has a new front fascia that is cleaner and without the black nose cone.

Being that it is an electric vehicle with no internal combustion engine, there is no need for a grille. Even though the Model S nose-cone somewhat serves as a design element primarily, there’s no hint of one now. Personally I like it and hope it filters down to the Model S or the upcoming Model 3.

Safety

As with the primary use of an SUV is family oriented, the safety of the family is paramount. Again, here is where the Tesla models distance themselves from the pack. The backbone of the vehicle is the rigid battery pack. This in itself provides for a robust vehicle with its own set of fringe benefits. Because of this battery pack, its position, its weight, and the fact that there is no heavy iron engine in the vehicle, the Model X as with the Model S will be the safest vehicle in its class. Not by a litte, but by a lot.

Elon Musk fully expects this Model X to achieve 5-star ratings in each safety category. For instance the testing that determines there is only a 6.5% probability of injury in high-speed collisions in the Model X. This is half of what the next best SUV can hope to achieve.

Again, the risk of a rollover is also less than half that of any other SUV on the market. Again due to the much lower center of gravity. It might almost always land on its feet.

The Model X includes as STANDARD equipment a couple of notable Active Safety measures. The Model X has Automatic Emergency Braking, which will brake as necessary without intervention to avoid a collision. It also uses its side sensors to provide for standard Side Collision Avoidance. In the event the sensors detect an impending side collision, the Model X will automatically avoid the threat as necessary to avoid the collision.

In another trend setting move, Telsa can now say that they are the only manufacturer which includes a HEPA filter that can provide “Hospital Operating Room” levels of air purity in the Model X. In true Tesla fashion, they have included another special “button”. This one is for “BIOWEAPON DEFENSE MODE”. So given an apocalyptic event, your family will be safe while inside the Model X. Perhaps another thing we appreciate about Tesla is their ability to have fun in their vehicles. If it isn’t Insane Mode, it’s Ludicrous Mode. Now we have Bioweapon Defense Mode. I love it!

Ergonomics

We’ve all seen the Falcon Wing doors. So much has been said or reported on them that it’s not earth shattering news anymore. They are a bit gimmicky but I understand the benefits.

The good things are the surprises that come with them. It seems the Model X makes ground breaking use of sensors to manage the operation of the doors. All of them. Sensors under the skin of the vehicle (as opposed to sitting on top of the body) read available distance from objects to manage the opening of doors so not to hit, trap or scratch anything.

Thanks to the special hinges the gull-wing doors will open on a sufficient angle and height to avoid contact.

The front driver’s door open automatically as you approach the vehicle. Once inside, you can press the brake pedal to have the door automatically close by itself. This is something that is an advantage I guess, but can be problematic on occasion. During the presentation, I noticed the door pop open on its own when not wanted.

Design

The next thing that is rather earthshattering is the front windshield. We’re used to having larger and larger sun or sky roofs in our vehicles. Well the falcon-wing doors prevent this to a degree on the Model X. Not to be stopped, the Model X features a HUGE windshield that wraps above the front row of seats. The upper portion is tinted for some protection from the sun, but you will feel like the Jetson’s driving in an open mobile. It’s wonderful and ground breaking.

Performance

It is a Tesla after all, so we’re not surprised to learn officially that the Model X is just shy of the Insane or should I say Ludicrous Model S in performance. But don’t forget this is a sport utility vehicle. This SUV will be the “quickest” SUV on the planet. Bar none. Post times of 0-60mph of 3.2 seconds with the Ludicrous Speed Upgrade. Heck without this upgrade it’s STILL about if not the fastest at 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.

There are tons of things to explore officially on this new model over the next few months. But its safe to say this vehicle sets a new benchmark in not only SUVs but on vehicles in total.

Several things were not addressed during this release however. We wondered with the new operating system if the much-anticipated Auto Pilot capability is active. Upon last check, they were in the road testing stages. Reports reveal it’s working well. Hopefully we’ll see it soon. One thing we can count on is Tesla won’t release it until its ready. After reviewing some of the new features of this Model X, we understand the delays.

All in all we feel this new Model X is not for everyone due to the price of admission. The price, like the Model S pits it against high-end luxury offerings in their respective category. The Model X and Model S can be considered luxury because of their price or features, but they really are more mainstream in their design and construction. Maybe its because of the company taking a more “sustainable” approach to their design as opposed to outright opulence and ultra high-end leathers and woods. The more modern approach fits the overall mission statement of the organization.

In any event Tesla continues to break the mold and push the envelope of conventional thinking in the automobile industry. So much so that where they were once “dismissed” by larger manufacturers, they now have their attention. Competitors are forced to address them in the marketplace.

Standard Features (among others)

Falcon Wing rear doors with built in sensors for opening in garages of any height
Automatically deploying rear spoiler
Maps and navigation with real time traffic updates
Daytime running lights
Power-folding and heated side mirrors
Front trunk with room for luggage, strollers or two golf bags
Full size rear cargo storage for bikes and gear
Free long distance travel on Tesla’s expanding Supercharger network
8 year, infinite mile battery and drive unit warranty
Automatic keyless entry
GPS enabled Homelink
Parking sensors, blind spot and side collision warnings
Automatic emergency braking
Seating for six or seven adults depending on interior configuration
Four LATCH child seat attachments, two in each passenger row