Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X is a fully electric SUV to die for

Tesla Model X Review

The Tesla Model X is Tesla’s second mass produced electric car after the Model S.

It’s a 4×4 SUV and you can order it as either a 5, 6, or 7-seater.

The Tesla Model X has outrageous falcon wing doors which will really impress your neighbours. It’s also incredibly quick and very safe. The Tesla X is unlike anything else out there. Unfortunately, availability of the latest model is limited in 2022.

Tesla Model X Range

The Model X comes in two configurations:

• Long Range
• Plaid

The Long Range Model X – with a 90 kWh battery (useable capacity) – can go about 285 miles on average (real world range) before it needs charging. Official WLTP range is 348 miles.

Of all the electric cars on the market today, only the Long Range, Plaid and Performance versions of the Model S and Model 3 and the Extended Range variants of the Ford Mustang Mach-E can go further.

The Model X Plaid version has a slightly reduced range of 273 miles (333 miles WLTP) compared to the Long Range Model X, but it makes up for it with acceleration. 0-60 mph is a phenomenal 2.5 seconds. This is known as ‘Ludicrous Mode’.

There used to be a cheaper Standard Range version, but this model has been discontinued.

Please note: Tesla have a habit of changing the specification of the Tesla X – and the pricing – often quite dramatically from one day to the next. The Standard Range Model X may well make a comeback.

Tesla Model X Autopilot

Tesla has created an amazing ‘self-driving’ feature for the Model X called Autopilot. You can find it on the Model S and Model 3 as well.

It lets you sit in your Tesla, in the driving seat, and have the car drive you. You can be on a motorway and the car will automatically steer, brake if required, and accelerate back to a pre-determined speed when enough space opens up in front of you. This configuration of the self-driving software is called simply Autopilot and is included in the prices above.

The more complete version of the software is called Full Self Driving Capability. This variation can also change lane for you, overtake, and put you back in the lane you were in – all with no input from the ‘driver’ at all. Tesla has spent years developing the software and it really is remarkable. Full Self Driving Capability costs £6,800 extra.

Autopilot with Full Self Driving Capability also gives you:

• Autopark: the car will park itself
• Summon: your already parked car will come and find you in the car park – oh yes it will

Please note: you must – by law – have your hands on the wheel at all times while driving. Autopilot reminds you of this if it senses your hands are off the wheel.

Tesla Model X Optional Extras

The Model X comes with lots of great equipment as standard.

As with all car manufacturers, you can configure your EV, choosing optional extras (at a cost), tailoring it as you so desire. Here are the options you can select:

Exterior Colour

The standard (no cost) option is Pearl White Multi-Coat. You can also have Solid Black (£1,450 extra), Midnight Silver Metallic (also £1,450 extra), Deep Blue Metallic (again £1,450 extra), or Red Multi-Coat (£2,500 extra).

Wheels

• All the models come as standard with 20’’ Silver Wheels.
• For the ultimate 22″ Onyx Black Wheels, it’s an eye-watering £5,400 more to pay

Interior Colouring

Long Range Model

• The standard colour is ‘All Black’ and known as ‘Figured Ash Wood Décor’.
• For £1,450 extra, you get ‘Black and White’ with ‘Dark Ash Wood Décor’.
• Or, also for £1,450 extra, you can have ‘Cream’ with ‘Oak Wood Décor’.

Plaid Model

The Plaid Model X does it slightly differently:

• All Black ‘Carbon Fiber Décor’ is standard.
• Black and White ‘Carbon Fiber Décor’ is an extra £1,450.
• Finally, ‘Cream’ with ‘Oak Wood Décor’ is also £1,450 more.

Interior Seating Layout

As standard, the Tesla X comes with 5 seats.

However, you can also ask for a 6-seat configuration: 2 front seats, 2 middle seats, and 2 rear seats. That costs £6,300 extra.

Finally, there is also a 7-seat version for £3,400 more. Please note: 7 seats are cheaper than 6 with Tesla – work that out if you can!

Autopilot & Full Self-Driving Capability

As mentioned above, the Model X comes with Autopilot self-driving capabilities as standard.

To get Full Self-Driving Capability – really advanced autonomous driving – you need to pay £6,800 more.

Tesla Model X Falcon Wings

A spectacular, unique feature of the Model X are the Falcon Wing doors.

The first time you see these in operation, you think you’ve entered the set of a science fiction film. They ascend gracefully, allowing full access to the middle and rear row of seats.

The Falcon Wing doors move out of the way so successfully, that you end up with a very large opening into the car, with no door frames or glass to bump into.

If you park with cars on either side, the Falcon Wings can still rise up without banging into anything. The engineering is very well thought out.

Who is the Tesla Model X for?

The Tesla Model X can be configured with 5, 6 or 7 seats, has lots of room inside, and enjoys all-wheel drive.

It’s at the luxury end of the market and expensive. But, the Model X is the polar opposite of a polluting ICE car such as a Range Rover. It may be high cost and a status symbol, like the Range Rover, but the Model X oozes a very different message. It’s green, quiet, zero carbon, modern, and much less in your face than the rattling, diesel 4x4s of yesteryear.

The Model X is becoming very popular in the corporate world. It impresses customers, it’s cheap to run, and suggests the company you work for is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously. In the UK, electric cars also enjoy very low Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates. For example, in the 2021/22 tax year, a Model X has a BiK tax rate of 1% (2% the year after).

Given the space inside and the fairly high driving position, it is also a great family car. It has room for 5, 6 or 7 people, depending on the version you buy. The back row can even accommodate adults. With all-wheel drive, the Model X can get you out of a muddy field. If the Tesla Model X UK price doesn’t send shivers down your spine, you know what to do…

Tesla has installed an amazing network of very rapid charging stations around the UK and abroad. These so-called superchargers are now rated at a minimum of 150 kW. They allow you to charge your battery very quickly while you are taking a break and then continue on your journey. New Version 3 chargers are also being rolled out, permitting charging at up to 250 kW in the Model X.

If you’re considering a second-hand Tesla Model X, you’ll come across different battery sizes, such as 60, 70, 75, and 90 kWh. Buying second-hand is a way of permitting mere mortals to access the Tesla experience.

Next Steps

• If you would like more information about EVs in general, please see our main Electric Cars page.

• For specific details about the Tesla Model X itself, see the main Tesla UK Tesla Model X website.

• Otherwise, please scroll down to the Reviews section below for independent analyses.