Tesla Model X - Thoughts after real life sighting.
Discussion
Been on holiday in LA this last week, and got the opportunity to see a Tesla Model X in the metal.
The X is Tesla’s version of a SUV, it’s the one that comes with ‘falcon wing doors’. It looks pretty impressive in demo videos and the press shots, but US production only just starting up, the first RHD cars unlikely to hit UK shores till 2017 and a starting price likely to be £65k+, its hard to commit to one without seeing it in real life. The cars aren't even in the US 'showrooms' yet, and unlikely to appear on UK shores till the end of this year.
This is the promo pictures, looks reasonably sleek and funky.
So I was delighted to finally be able to see one in real life for my self, as cars often look very different in the metal, and it was on the list of possible replacments for my Leaf. Sadly despite my excitement about the funky doors, the X did nothing for me, and now is off the list of potential Leaf replacements.
I have no doubts the X is a great SUV, been able to carry 7 people + loads of luggage but to me it looks like another X5/X6/GLE/Q7 – all be it electric driven. I’ve never quite got why people want a SUV when 99% of the time the roughest terrain these car will see is a kerb at the local Waitrose car park. I’m sure people will like the X and it should sell well, just like all the other SUV’s, but for me the Model S just looks better, sleeker, and already has more than enough cargo/passenger space for my needs.
When you factor in a 12 months old fully loaded P85 Model S, which has more range and is faster than a basic spec new Model X, is cheaper/equivalent price you have to really need 7 seats or love the SUV look to pick one over a S.
On a side note about Tesla Superchargers, in the area of LA we stayed (Hollywood) there were at least 3 Tesla supercharger locations, each with 6 - 12 stalls with-in about 20-30 miles of each other, and apparently they are still adding more locations/expanding existing spots. Given the importance of charging infrastructure, if Tesla can get that kind of supercharging density/availability here in the UK they are going to dominate the EV market for a long time!!!
The X is Tesla’s version of a SUV, it’s the one that comes with ‘falcon wing doors’. It looks pretty impressive in demo videos and the press shots, but US production only just starting up, the first RHD cars unlikely to hit UK shores till 2017 and a starting price likely to be £65k+, its hard to commit to one without seeing it in real life. The cars aren't even in the US 'showrooms' yet, and unlikely to appear on UK shores till the end of this year.
This is the promo pictures, looks reasonably sleek and funky.
So I was delighted to finally be able to see one in real life for my self, as cars often look very different in the metal, and it was on the list of possible replacments for my Leaf. Sadly despite my excitement about the funky doors, the X did nothing for me, and now is off the list of potential Leaf replacements.
I have no doubts the X is a great SUV, been able to carry 7 people + loads of luggage but to me it looks like another X5/X6/GLE/Q7 – all be it electric driven. I’ve never quite got why people want a SUV when 99% of the time the roughest terrain these car will see is a kerb at the local Waitrose car park. I’m sure people will like the X and it should sell well, just like all the other SUV’s, but for me the Model S just looks better, sleeker, and already has more than enough cargo/passenger space for my needs.
When you factor in a 12 months old fully loaded P85 Model S, which has more range and is faster than a basic spec new Model X, is cheaper/equivalent price you have to really need 7 seats or love the SUV look to pick one over a S.
On a side note about Tesla Superchargers, in the area of LA we stayed (Hollywood) there were at least 3 Tesla supercharger locations, each with 6 - 12 stalls with-in about 20-30 miles of each other, and apparently they are still adding more locations/expanding existing spots. Given the importance of charging infrastructure, if Tesla can get that kind of supercharging density/availability here in the UK they are going to dominate the EV market for a long time!!!
Edited by gangzoom on Saturday 30th January 17:42
RichB said:
Roo said:
It doesn't need a grille but it looks like it needs one.
I am told, although I am by no means an expert, that these Teslas do in fact have radiators and a system to cool the heat generated by the batteries...I did look it up on Google but got bored
The roofline looks more bulbous than I'd imagine, and like others have said the front bumper looks odd; I like the fact my Model S has a 'radiator grille' and think the X looks odd without one.
Model 3 is what I'm really excited about, although it will have to be very fast and and have equivalent range to convince me out of my P85+!
Model 3 is what I'm really excited about, although it will have to be very fast and and have equivalent range to convince me out of my P85+!
That reviewer got a bit carried away - the most luxurious SUV this side of a Bentley? Not been in a Range Rover then?
This might be a good choice for me in a couple of years when the i3 is up for replacement - could replace the i3 and D4 with this and then get a third car for the children to learn to drive on
This might be a good choice for me in a couple of years when the i3 is up for replacement - could replace the i3 and D4 with this and then get a third car for the children to learn to drive on
Pothole said:
OP: I reckon whoever sorts a better, lighter - quicker to charge from a normal socket - battery/engine combo at a price point an average wage earner can afford will 'dominate the market for a very long time'. Not a luxury niche maker. (IMHO)
Not been interested in 'normal' cars for a long while now, the Chevrolet Bolt at apparently <$35,000 after tax rebates with 60kWh battery and DC rapid charging is getting very close to been truly 'mass market'. But 12 months of driving around in a sensible/normal car (a Leaf) is enough, I want my next EV to be RWD + quick, and I'm willing to pay a premium for it. Currently there is only one car that ticks those boxes, cannot see that changing any time soon.
gangzoom said:
Pothole said:
OP: I reckon whoever sorts a better, lighter - quicker to charge from a normal socket - battery/engine combo at a price point an average wage earner can afford will 'dominate the market for a very long time'. Not a luxury niche maker. (IMHO)
Not been interested in 'normal' cars for a long while now, the Chevrolet Bolt at apparently <$35,000 after tax rebates with 60kWh battery and DC rapid charging is getting very close to been truly 'mass market'. But 12 months of driving around in a sensible/normal car (a Leaf) is enough, I want my next EV to be RWD + quick, and I'm willing to pay a premium for it. Currently there is only one car that ticks those boxes, cannot see that changing any time soon.
" if Tesla can get that kind of supercharging density/availability here in the UK they are going to dominate the EV market for a long time!!!"
RichB said:
Beati Dogu said:
OT, but anyone watching the Norwegian drama Occupied and playing spot the electric car? I've seen a couple of Teslas and one of the main character has an i3.
I guess they use them because Teslas being silent son't need subtitling. 0-100 mph in 7.9 second in a 7 seater, 2 ton+ SUV. Totally pointless but so utterly aweason 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9o1CaekxUQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9o1CaekxUQ
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