Tesla unveils SUV ModelX
30 Sep 2015
Tesla finally delivered its long-awaited SUV, the Tesla Model X, which it had been touting as a concept car since 2012.
An initial batch of six finished Signature Edition vehicles was handed over to early pre-order customers yesterday at event outside Tesla's factory in Fremont, California.
The Signature Edition Model X, which had been sold out, offered every available option, and sold for upwards of $130,000 each, putting it in the same price bracket as Tesla's high-end Model S.
People who want to buy the car would have to pay $5,000 to reserve one for delivery some time well into next year.
The Model X is being offered in two versions - the standard 90D model which carries a price tag of $132,000, while the P90D, which comes equipped with the Ludicrous Mode found in the Tesla Model S, would be priced $142,000.
Though the 90D was no slouch, hitting 60 mph from in 3.7 seconds with a range of 257 miles, the P90D claims the distinction of being the fastest SUV in the world, hitting the same speed in 3.2 seconds from zero with a range of 250 miles (412 km), leaving most cars in the dust, even Porsche's electric concept car, the Mission E.
Besides being billed as the world's quickest SUV, it would it also feature extra space of a crossover, and some key innovations like a windshield that allows a view of the sky above and one of the most sophisticated passenger air filters seen in a car. The Model X hits a top speed is 155 mph.
Model X "sets a new bar for automotive engineering," Musk told reporters ahead of the formal unveiling of the vehicle.
Perhaps the most radical feature of the Model X is its upward-opening "falcon doors" for the second row.
The doors make for graceful entries into the rear seats and they also self adjust so they would not bang against the sides of other cars in parking lots.
Besides it novel doors, Tesla was touting other features about the Model X like the fact that it can tow 5,000 pounds, thanks to its electric power, which gives it a lot of low-end torque which can be used for towing trailers or boats.
Tesla Motors' all-wheel-drive version of its battery-powered ModelS, the P85D, earned an unprecedented 103 out of a possible 100 according to an evaluation by Consumer Reports magazine. (See: Tesla Motors' P85D scores 103 out of 100 in Consumer Reports magazine evaluation).
