A Tesla with the X factor
An SUV with the X Factor, Tesla's Falcon winged Model X.
Roadtestsandreviews.co.uk sent Jeremy Webb to test the Tesla Model X, after just an hour he discovered the Wow factor.
Tesla are making a lot of claims about their Model X SUV stating it is " the safest, fastest and most capable sports utility vehicle in history." A strong statement to backup but over the week I had the car, it proved itself to me.
Whether it is the best in every category as the company claims is to be determined. I can't possibly answer this as I have not driven every similar SUV made.
Tesla also claims the Model X has the most storage room of any SUV in its class, with seating for up to seven adults. Lexus now has produced an RX450hL which is a seven-seat SUV self-charging hybrid fresh to the market. The X is designed to maximise passenger comfort, the second and third row in the seven-seat option is capable of folding flat and flush. This creates a lot of extra cargo space. Three custom seating configurations are available, the car can be optimised to suit the specific requirements of the owner. One day you may be taking just your partner out, the next half your child's cricket team and their kit. The bonnet opens to provide some extra luggage space too, room for a couple of pushchairs or two golf bags.
Regarding being the safest in class the Model X has standard active safety features and hardware built in, to provide visibility that a driver cannot access alone. Eight surround cameras allow for 360-degree vision, while twelve ultrasonic sensors provide detection of surrounding objects. Forward-facing radar sees through heavy rain, fog, dust, and beyond the vehicle ahead—helping to prevent accidents by providing simultaneous visibility in every direction. The Model X is the first SUV ever to achieve a 5-star safety rating in every category and sub-category, the lowest probability of occupant injury, and a rollover risk half that of any SUV on the road.
The superb Falcon Wing doors open upwards to allow easy access to the second and third-row seats from even the tightest parking space. Only a foot of clearance on either side is required to allow the doors to articulate smoothly up and out of the way. Passengers can enter from both front and rear directions. The side and overhead opening are so large that parents can buckle children in without ducking or straining and without bumping their child's head on the roof.
The vehicle has automatic keyless entry and automatic rear tailgate from the key fob which is shaped like the car. A nice touch. The tailgate closes with the touch of a button on the lower seal.
The canopy windscreen is the largest single piece of glass installed in a car, in the world. Offering superb views for all occupants, and gives the feel of sitting in a cinema. Lots of natural light enters the whole car.
Active safety technologies, including collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking, have begun rolling out through over-the-air updates.
Electric All-Wheel Drive for maximum efficiency and traction allows all the power from the motors to be delivered to the road, pushing the car along rapidly when required. The grip is great and the Model X holds its course fantastically, giving the driver great confidence.
Parking sensors and blind spot warning aid the driver throughout their journey. If a vehicle approaches the Model X from behind, to the left or right of centre the blind spot system activates notifying the driver there is a vehicle in close proximity. The parking sensors allow for safer parking with great confidence, as bleeps are emitted if the vehicle nears an object front or back of it.
To maintain occupant comfort and safety Tesla have fitted a medical grade HEPA filter. Air entering the vehicle is cleaned of pollen, bacteria, viruses, and pollution before circulating it into the cabin. There are three modes: circulate with outside air, re-circulate inside air and a bioweapon defense mode that creates positive pressure inside the cabin.
Tesla are continually enhancing their models and they can do this via over the air updates.
The Model X has Enhanced Autopilot and the latest software update now has improved capabilities, including; Autosteer up to 90 mph, Auto Lane Change, Summon (beta), Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.
All the safety and technology that goes into the Model X along with the great drive it provides, make it a desirable car. I would certainly be happy owning one. The car looks good, it is cable of achieving 351 miles of range. Tesla says It is the most aerodynamic SUV in production. At 0.25, drag coefficient it is 20% lower than the next best SUV. For a large SUV, it handles well, with the all wheel drive aiding this, as it does with performance allowing the direct drive to power it along. The acceleration is truly rapid and exhilarating. Versatility with the various seating options and storage capacity make it a perfect family vehicle. When choosing an SUV this really does have the X-factor.
Specifications:
Model X prices start from £70,500 for a 75D.
0-60 mph 100D 3.6 secs P100D 2.9 secs
Top Speed 155 mph
Width 89.4” With mirrors folded 81.5”
Ground Clearance 5.4” - 8.3”
Length 198.3”
Wheelbase 116.7”
Technology
Regular over-the-air updates add safety and navigation features, enhance performance and improve the driver experience
Access to Tesla's expanding Supercharger network
Maps and navigation with real time traffic information
FM/DAB+ and Internet streaming radio
Safety
Active safety technologies, including collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking, have begun rolling out through over-the-air updates
Electric All-Wheel Drive for maximum efficiency and traction
Smart Air Suspension for raising and lowering ride height
Three-position dynamic LED turning lights
LED fog lights
Power-folding, heated side mirrors
Up to four ISOFIX child seat attachments
Convenience
Soft LED ambient interior lighting
Largest glass panoramic windshield in production, providing unparalleled views
Falcon Wing doors allow easy access to second and third row seats, even from tight parking spaces
Automatic keyless entry
Automatic rear liftgate
Largest interior storage capacity of its class: 77 cubic feet in the six-seat interior configuration
Twelve-way power adjustable, heated front seats with memory and driver profile
Warranty
8 year, infinite mile battery and drive unit warranty
4 year, 50,000 mile limited warranty
Learn about the Model X here: https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/modelx