Learn more about the Tesla Model X
Tesla’s luxury SUV – a big, clever, ridiculously fast people-hauler. It looks like nothing else, it drives like nothing else and, well,… look at the doors. If you’re looking for a tech-heavy, uber- practical electric SUV and you don’t mind gathering crowds when you let your kids out the back, the Model X is the car for you.
Based on the same platform as the smaller Model S, the Model X took all that Tesla had learned from their premium sedan and put it in a bigger, showier and more practical shell.
Available in 5, 6 and 7 seat configurations, the X certainly has the edge on practicality. Our personal favourite setup is the 6 seat version, which leaves a pass-through into the back. It’s worth noting that this version can’t fold the middle row, however.
The rear seats fold flat to give acres of boot space when they’re not needed. If you need any more just hop around to the front of the car for extra storage under the nose. Also under the nose is a surgical-quality air filtering system, dubbed “Bio-defense Mode” (it’s even activated using a Biohazard symbol in the infotainment screen) – perfect for inner city
smog.
The gadgets and gizmos don’t end there, however. Walk up to the car with the key in your pocket and the driver’s door opens up for you. Press the brake and the door closes on its own. You also get Tesla’s famed “Autopilot” semi-autonomous system as standard across the ranges, with cameras all around the vehicle to keep you in your lane on motorways.
Want to get in the back? Just push a button and,…. Okay, we’re going to have to talk about the doors.
The Model X has a set of double-hinged, electrically operated “Falcon Wing” doors which rise upwards to let you into the back. Sensors all around them stop them from cracking into other cars or low ceilings, and the middle hinge means they can actually open in tighter spaces than regular cars.
They’re nuts. Silly and over-engineered but concentrating on the doors misses the point of the car: it’s a fast, clever, spacious and fun family van that costs peanuts to fuel.
It’s the ultimate family van.
