Thursday 1st October 2015

Model X marks the spot

Tesla's long-awaited Model X launched with 257-mile range, "Ludicrous" acceleration and gullwing doors.

---

It's not hard to see some pretty big similarities between Tesla and Apple, with the all-electric car company's unveilings having acquired many of the trappings of the technology giant's product announcements. There's the visionary company boss front and centre, in Tesla's case Elon Musk, the guy who seemed to be the model for Tony Stark in the Iron Man films. There's the same claims for newness and that now everything is different. And there are the same baying crowds of fans apparently wanting nothing more than to buy the thing. Indeed the first six owners for the new Tesla Model X were given their "Founder's Edition" cars at the unveiling itself.

Insert 'set to fly off the shelves' line here...

The Tesla Model S has already been a huge hit in the 'States, or at least those parts where the ultra-wealthy want to both show off their green credentials and get free use of carpool lanes while driving solo, and there's little to suggest the Model X won't continue the trend, especially with the attention-grabbing ability of its enormous top-hinged rear doors.

Although officially pitched as Tesla's first SUV it looks as much like a big MPV to us, an impression reinforced by the fact it will come in both six- and seven-seat configurations. With the rear doors closed it looks pretty modest; like a slightly blinged-down BMW X6 from the side. But with them open it's going to attract attention like a DeLorean in 1955.

Technology is everywhere - there are a battery of sensors that will automatically open the right door as you approach the car, while the rear doors won't motor themselves up unless there's enough space to do so without touching any obstacles. A variable hinge system means they can still work even if there's only a foot of clearance to the side of the car. The vast windscreen, which extends all the way back to the B-pillar, is claimed to be the largest piece of automotive glass in the world. (The last generation Vauxhall Astra sporthatch had a similar option - remember that?)

Supercar acceleration, SUV accommodation

The powertrain is effectively identical to that of the four-wheel drive Model S, with the same battery pack and twin-motor system to provide power to both ends. The fastest version will be the P90D, which features the so-called "Ludicrous" acceleration mode that delivers 0-60mph in a claimed 3.2 seconds and has a total output across both motors equivalent to 762hp; impressive considering a 2,470kg kerbweight. Range on the US EPA standard is claimed to be 257 miles.

Below the P90D are less powerful 90D and 70D variants. There's no confirmation on European pricing but the P90D Signature costs $132,000 in the U.S and American media is reporting that the basic version will be around $80,000.

Oh, and like every Tesla model, the audio system volume goes up to 11, in proof that somebody there likes Spinal Tap.

We've got a long way to go before Tesla gets close to matching its US success in the UK, but we'll be seeing early adopters in some Model Xes some times next year.

Watch the video here.

 

[bencollins]

If i had the money, couldnt imagine buying anything else.
Used Vauxhall Ampera next for me as a dadwagon, bit more accessible pricewise.

[bencollins]

2.5t family car does 0-60 in 3.2secs and it gets described as OTT hype or a pub bore statistic.
Steam traction carthorse hybrids are the future flat earthers!

[bencollins]

Ferrari's best effort admittedly from 5 years ago is slower.
"These two track-only cars were supplemented with the 599 GTO, only the third car from Ferrari to wear this iconic badge. The GTO cost £305,676 and came with a top speed of 208mph. It also 680hp and is 100kg lighter than a standard GTB model, so 0-62mph comes up in 3.3 seconds."
Wonder what range that car has for its £100 fill ups.