Tesla Model X
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for an electric SUV that turns heads and delivers jaw-dropping performance? The Tesla Model X might be exactly what you need. This all-electric luxury SUV combines cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and seating for up to seven passengers in one distinctive package. It’s the car for drivers who want to embrace electric motoring without compromising on space, luxury, or sheer acceleration.

From the moment you see those iconic Falcon Wing doors opening upwards, you know the Model X is different. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile and minimalist design language set it apart from traditional luxury SUVs. But the real drama happens when you press the accelerator. Even the base model delivers supercar-beating acceleration that will leave passengers pinned to their seats. Inside, the spacious cabin showcases Tesla’s signature approach with a massive central touchscreen controlling almost everything.

Living with the Model X is a unique experience in the electric SUV world. The near-silent electric drivetrain makes every journey serene, while the Autopilot technology offers a glimpse into the future of driving. Yes, the initial purchase price is substantial, and those distinctive doors can occasionally be temperamental. But if you want an electric SUV that’s genuinely different and delivers on both practicality and performance, the Model X makes a compelling case. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean giving up excitement or luxury.

What's the Tesla Model X Like to Drive?

The Tesla Model X redefines what we expect from a large SUV in terms of performance. The dual-motor setup in most variants delivers all-wheel drive and extraordinary acceleration. The Performance variant rockets from 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest accelerating SUVs ever made. Even the Long Range model achieves 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds, which is genuinely supercar territory for a seven-seat family vehicle.

What makes the Model X special is how effortless this performance feels. The instant torque from the electric motors means acceleration is seamless and silent. The low centre of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery pack, gives it surprisingly composed handling for such a large vehicle. The air suspension adapts to different driving conditions, providing comfort on the motorway and decent body control through corners. While it’s not a sports car, the Model X offers a driving experience that’s both relaxing and exhilarating when you want it to be.

How Comfortable Is the Tesla Model X?

Step inside the Model X and you’re greeted by Tesla’s distinctive minimalist interior philosophy. The spacious cabin feels airy and modern, dominated by the large 17-inch central touchscreen that controls most functions. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with heating, cooling, and multiple adjustment options as standard. The panoramic windscreen extends overhead, creating an almost glass house effect that passengers particularly enjoy.

The second row offers excellent space and comfort, with individual captain’s chairs in six-seat configurations or a bench for seven seats. Access to the third row is made easier by those famous Falcon Wing doors, which detect overhead obstacles and adjust their opening accordingly. Build quality has improved significantly in recent years, though some early models suffered from panel gap issues. The cabin remains impressively quiet at motorway speeds, with only minimal wind noise disturbing the serene electric driving experience.

The Tesla Model X succeeds in being genuinely different in the luxury electric SUV market. Its combination of supercar-like acceleration, long electric range, and seven-seat practicality is unique. The distinctive styling, especially those Falcon Wing doors, ensures you’ll never blend into the crowd. The technology package, including Autopilot and over-the-air updates, feels genuinely futuristic and adds real value to ownership.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Tesla Model X Expensive to Run?

As a premium electric SUV, the Model X has running costs that reflect its luxury positioning, but electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol. Real-world efficiency typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 miles per kWh, meaning you can travel around 300 miles for approximately £15-20 in home charging costs. Public rapid charging costs more, but the extensive Supercharger network offers convenient long-distance travel options. Insurance costs are higher than average due to the car’s value and repair complexity.

The biggest consideration is the substantial purchase price, starting from around £95,000 for a used model. This puts it in premium luxury territory, competing with high-end German SUVs. However, electric vehicles benefit from lower company car tax rates and no fuel duty. Tesla’s over-the-air updates can add new features and improve performance without visiting a service centre. While car finance options can make monthly payments more manageable, the Model X represents a significant investment that’s best suited to higher-budget buyers.

Tesla Model X Practicality & Boot Space

For a performance-focused electric SUV, the Model X is surprisingly practical. The 709-litre boot with five seats in use is generous, easily accommodating family luggage or a large weekly shop. With all seven seats in place, boot space reduces significantly, but the rear seats fold flat when not needed. The front boot (frunk) provides additional storage space, perfect for charging cables or smaller items. Clever touches include a ski hatch through the rear seats and multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The Falcon Wing doors are both a blessing and a curse for practicality. They provide excellent access to the second and third rows, even in tight parking spaces, as they open upwards rather than outwards. However, they can be slow to operate and occasionally temperamental in cold weather. For families who regularly use all seven seats, the Model X offers one of the best combinations of space and performance available. When compared to other used Tesla cars, the Model X delivers the most passenger capacity while maintaining impressive electric range.

The Tesla Model X stands out as one of the most distinctive and technologically advanced SUVs available. It successfully combines impressive electric range, supercar-beating performance, and genuine seven-seat practicality in a package that turns heads everywhere. The unique Falcon Wing doors, minimalist interior, and cutting-edge technology create an ownership experience unlike any traditional luxury SUV.

You choose the Model X because you want something genuinely different that doesn’t compromise on performance or practicality. Its near-silent electric drivetrain, impressive range, and advanced features like Autopilot make it ideal for both family duties and long-distance touring. While the premium price and occasional reliability concerns need consideration, the Model X offers a glimpse into the future of luxury motoring. If you’re ready to embrace electric driving with style and performance, especially when exploring options with bad credit car finance, the Tesla Model X delivers an unmatched combination of innovation and capability.