After delay after delay, Elon Musk has finally unveiled the long-awaited Model X to the public at a launch event in California. While the Model S has been making waves in the upper-tier full-size luxury segment as a viable all-electric sports car for some time now, now the Model X hopes to do the same in the luxury SUV segment.
While the rear-falcon-doored, all-wheel-drive, all-electric, premium SUV is first and foremost geared towards the family vehicle market, that doesn’t change the fact that the Model X in top-tier trim can do a ‘ludicrous’ 0-60 mph run in 3.2 seconds from a standstill and run up to 155 mph or 250 km/h.
Seven seats, class-leading interior space, practicality, smart design with a heavy focus on active collision avoidance round out the family-first vehicle. This ensures the Model X has all the features that any well-to-do shopper with the resources can now have in their very own zero-emissions SUV with a range of 250 miles or 400 km. Not to mention an SUV equipped with a ‘bioweapon defence’ button – an air filtration system that’s far beyond the capabilities of any other car on the road – just say no to the airborne zombie apocalypse.
Them’s the meat and potatoes of the Model X so let’s get into a little more detail.
The Model X will initially be available in two models: the ‘base’ P90D Signature at US$132,900 and the P90D Founder at US$142,000 equipped with the Ludicrous Mode that enables the bonkers 3.2-second 60 mph time.
The Signature model is no slouch with a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.8 seconds. Both models top out at 155 mph or 250 km/h. The Signature model has a slightly higher range than the Ludicrous mode-equipped Founder model and tops out at 257 miles or 413 km (I can’t see that making much of a difference in anyone’s mind).
Back to the family safety department – Tesla claims the Model X is the safest SUV on the road. Claiming an all-round 5-star IIHS crash test rating in every single category and only a 6.5% chance of serious injury in a high-speed collision, the numbers back up the claim. This is achieved largely due to the placement of the battery pack underneath the vehicle, as opposed to a high-mounted engine up front, enabling the Model X to have a large crumple zone and above average rollover protection due to an incredibly low centre of gravity.
