Tesla Model X

Tesla has always focused on minimalism and a clean look for the interior of its vehicles, a trend which was pioneered with the Model X. The cabin of this SUV looks clean and futuristic, with the presence of the large windshield, which stretches from the upper tip of the bonnet to the middle of the roof over the front seat passengers. This wraparound look for the front windscreen gives the occupants a large panoramic view of the outer world.

The cabin of the Tesla Model X is a nice mix of clean-looking layers in white, black, and faux wood finish. However, the build quality and fit and finish levels leave a lot to be desired for a vehicle of its price. The dashboard looks clean and gets a yoke steering wheel and a large rectangular touchscreen infotainment system, which controls every function of the vehicle. While the yoke steering wheel looks funky, it has proved to be inconvenient to use for many. Thankfully, Tesla is now offering a traditional rounded steering wheel at no extra cost. While the front and second rows of the Model X are decently spacious, the third row of seats is best suited only for kids.

The Tesla Model X has virtually remained unchanged in its appearance, ever since it was launched in 2015. However, despite that fact, it continues to be one of the most swanky and futuristic-looking crossovers one can buy in the world. The coupe-like rounded roofline, along with upward-swinging door panels and high ground clearance, make the Model X look unique and one-of-its-kind.

At the front, the Tesla Model X has a minimalist and clean-looking fascia, comprising of a curved T-shaped ‘grille’, which has a closed design. The headlamps of the Model X are shaped like a bird’s eye and feature an all-LED illumination complete with LED headlamps and daytime running LEDs. The front bumper also looks clean, and while it misses out on fog lamps, it gets C-shaped air reflectors on the sides and a large trapezoidal air dam in the middle.

The side profile of the Tesla Model X looks attractive, thanks to the rounded coupe-like roofline and curved window frame having large-sized window panels. The Model X features upward-swinging door panels, much like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and features pop-up door handles for both front and rear door panels. The slanted bonnet and bulging rear fenders complete the look of the Model X when viewed from the side.

At the back, the Tesla Model X looks complete and nice with its rakish rear windscreen, which is not SUV-like but more of a coupe. The large combination tail lamps come with LED inserts within them and are joined by a gloss black strip featuring the Tesla nameplate. There is also an aerodynamic wing attached at the tip of the rear windscreen, over the boot lid.

Built on a born-electric platform, the Tesla Model X offers nice stability at higher speeds over many other SUVs, thanks to its highly aerodynamic shape due to the sloping bonnet and coupe-like roofline. However, while the electric power steering of the Model X is light and convenient to operate, it lacks the connectivity and feedback one would prefer at higher speeds.

Both the variants of the Tesla Model X are well-differentiated by the mechanical setups under their skin. The base Standard variant features a dual-motor setup, which claims a maximum power output of 670 bhp and a maximum driving range of 556 km. On the other hand, the full-blown Plaid variant focuses on sheer performance and claims 1020 bhp from its three-motor setup. It claims a maximum driving range of 532 km. While the Standard variant does a 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.8 seconds, the Plaid is quicker with its 2.1 seconds for the same.

The Model X possesses Tesla’s most highlighted ‘Autopilot’ feature of hands-free driving, which gives it an edge over all the other SUVs in terms of tech on offer. In addition to this, the Model X also offers several other safety features like Summon feature for parking in tight spots, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and more.

Riding high on tech and futuristic appeal, the Tesla Model X belongs to a niche category of high-performance electric SUVs. The performance and tech on offer make the Tesla Model X highly desirable, however, as a premium SUV, it still has a few grounds to cover, such as driving appeal and fit and finish levels.