While some gear heads call the Model X an incredible midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV), it's got a few oddities that aren't easy to ignore. Sure, it's a fast vehicle with impressive range capabilities and, of course—an all-electric SUV. Considering how EVs are expensive to own, many people expect them to be completely made, but the Model X isn't a perfect vehicle.
SUVs have become a household name among car owners, families especially. This is because of their wide cabin offering, off-road abilities, and amazing design. Today, nearly all the popular car manufacturers have one or more SUV models. Toyota's Highlander and Lexus’s RX come to mind as top-level SUVs.
However, the Model X is a mid-size SUV, and such SUVs are either built on the platform of a passenger car or a pickup truck. The pickup could be compact or full-size. Their most admirable features are a serene interior, vast storage space, and an all-wheel-drive powertrain.
The Model X is Tesla’s first-ever electric SUV plus it's currently the largest vehicle in Tesla's fleet. This feature dives into the Model X, its praiseworthy and not-so praiseworthy features. We'll also share the current price of this beauty.
The Model X Origin Story
In a Youtube video, a reviewer remarked that the Model X shares several similarities with the Model S. This is correct as both models are quite alike and are both made at Tesla’s factory in California, USA. Let's revisit its past to know how this vehicle transitioned from concept car to production car.
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The world first encountered the Model X when it was a mere prototype. The year was 2012 and the location was California. Upon completion of the design, deliveries should have begun in 2014, but Tesla rescheduled the delivery because it desired to meet its quota of 20,000 units.
Towards the end of 2015, Tesla finally embarked on mass deliveries of the Model X. One significant cause of the delay was the falcon-wing rear doors that define the 2018 edition. Interestingly, the company sued a firm called Hoerbiger because of the substandard falcon-wing doors it built for the Model X.
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The plaintiff highlighted overheating and engine oil leaks as problems caused by the top-quality doors. Upon settlement, a new trim called the Model X 60D was launched with a 200 miles drive range and a 75 kWh battery.
What's The Model X Design Like?
One interesting feature is its panoramic windshield. It's also been said to be the safest SUV today based on the parameters of frontal/side-impact crash and rollover. The engineers made the autopilot available for all trims.
It's got an astonishing self-driving system which some reckon is safer than when a human is behind the wheel. The Model X is available as a five-seater, six-seater, or seven-seater. However, the base trim comes as a five-seater, so upgrades like extra seats cost you.
Although the model relies on the AWD, there were speculations about the rear-wheel-drive being offered at some point. The Model X has racked up some awards since inception like Auto Guide’s Reader Choice’s “Green Car of the Year” and “Golden Steering Wheel”.
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The 2018 Model X’s Performance
Earlier in this feature, we said that the Model X is incredibly fast. Unlike other cars, the entry trim of the Model X is equally fast thanks to a powerful 518 hp output. Expect around 237 miles for the entry trim, 75D.
As for the 100DD, the higher trim can reach 295 miles. If you get the P100D, prepare for more horsepower but a lower drive range. Note that frequent accelerations will drain the battery soon, so you might want to consider driving moderately.
The Model X’s Interior Is Attractive With A Few Flaws
Minimalism is the theme for the Model X’s interior, as its plush white seats are easily noticeable. The seats and door panels are dominated by faux leather.
The base trim is a five-seater SUV, but with some upgrades can comfortably seat seven people. Visibility is cool for all but the middle-row passenger. While the rear seats can be moved, the second-row seat is static (six-seater only).
A major flaw is the rear windows, which can't be rolled down completely. You can only roll them down halfway. Because of the falcon-wing doors, rear-seat passengers can't place items in the rear door panels. They're also slow to open.
It's Got Great Gadgets But…
Despite its large size, the infotainment screen lacks standard software like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 17.0- inch screen helps you to control the car’s functions like temperature settings, volume, or navigation controls.
Expect clean graphics and several charging ports for handheld devices, plus Bluetooth connectivity.
How Much Does The 2018 Model X Cost Today?
Like most vehicles, the 2018 Model X is an imperfect vehicle. Maybe if the price wasn't so high, its flaws wouldn't receive plenty of attention. Today, its price ranges from $80,900 to $106,900 depending on the condition. However, if you're shopping for a much better Tesla model, the Model S and 3 are cool alternatives.
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Kolawole Samuel Adebayo (KSA) is a Tech Writer and Harvard-trained Entrepreneur with 6+ years of experience in SEO Copywriting, Content Strategy, Leadership, Coaching, and Brand Identity Management. He is the Founder of Expolitus NG— one of Nigeria’s fast-rising startups in the content marketing and sales strategy landscape.Kolawole enjoys reading, writing, and talking about the automobile, manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, generative design, construction, and mental health and addiction recovery industries. He has worked with several organizations all over the world, helping them meet their content marketing goals, as well as multiplying their ROI.Kolawole, a former poetry reader at Feral Journal, is a poet with works published in several journals around the world. His chapbook manuscript, INVOCATIONS, was recently selected by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani for the APBF New-Generation African Poets Chapbook Box-set Series (Akashic Books, 2021).
