Tesla reveals Model X SUV ahead of 2016 arrival
Tesla has revealed its new Model X 4x4 prior to the all-electric seven-seater’s arrival in the second half of 2016.
Retaining the striking ‘falcon-wing’ doors of the 2013 concept, the Model X will be capable of sprinting to 62mph in as little as 3.2 seconds while boasting a range of 250 miles.
Power comes from the same twin-motor powertrain as the Model S, with the basic 90D model offering 511bhp and the P90D performance variant producing 752bhp. The SUV body ensures that the Model X is marginally slower to 62mph than the Model S, but it’s no slouch. The P90D with the optional Ludicrous mode grabs the headlines, but the 4.8-second sprint of the standard 90D is still more than half a second faster than the supercharged Jaguar F-Pace S.
The range hasn’t suffered much compared to the Model S equivalent though, because the Model X has been designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. Tesla claims that the car’s drag co-efficient of 0.24 is the lowest of any SUV in history, and the hard work has resulted in a 250-mile range for the P90D – just three fewer than the equivalent Model S.
As with the Model S, the Model X is intended as a premium product. Standard equipment includes the Model S’ massive touchscreen, satellite navigation, keyless entry, parking sensors, leather seats and alloy wheels, as well as the impressive rear doors. Fitted with sensors to stop them opening straight into the roof of the multi-storey, the two ‘wings’ need just 30cm of space on each side of the car to open fully.
Because the batteries and motors are smaller than internal combustion engines and mounted low down to lower the centre of gravity, the Model X also gets the practicality boost of having two boots. Tesla says the rear luggage bay is ‘full size’ and provides space for larger items like skis and snowboards while the boot at the front can hold two golf bags.
Prices are expected to start from around £50,000, rising to something in the region of £90,000 for top-of-the-range variants.