After years of promises and numerous concept models shown to the public and investors, the day has finally arrived: Tesla released the all-new Model X on Sept. 29, 2015. This futuristic and dependable vehicle redefines what it means to be an electric vehicle.
Tesla, the American manufacturer best known for their electric sedan, the Model S P90D, is the groundbreaking automobile manufacturer run by Elon Musk. Though the Model S is both technically ingenious and also aesthetically pleasing, the Model X seems to surpass it in a few ways.
First is the Model X’s space, which can fit seven passengers and a ton of extra cargo, in case you have to feed all those people. Next, there are the Model X’s “falcon” doors, which open straight up to make parking in tight spots a breeze. The SUV also drives an impressive 250 miles per charge.
In spite of its impressive capabilities, the road to success for the Model X wasn’t as smooth as the SUV’s suspension. Originally promised for a 2013 release, after the prototype was unveiled in 2012, the vehicle’s release date was pushed to 2014, only to be delayed again until 2015.
Even when asked, Musk confessed that if he were to do it again, he would make the Model X less complicated in order to make it easier to build. However, that’s just not what Tesla and Musk wanted for the follow up to the Model S.
In keeping with Tesla’s theme of improvement, the complexities of the Model X speak to why the vehicle is worth the wait. While other vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the DeLorean, have had gullwing doors, the Model X has a very different setup, which accounts for the space needed for them to open. Unlike other similar vehicles, who have needed ample side space, the Model X is equipped with multiple sensors throughout its doors’ panels which scan the surroundings and account for clearance, opening with as little as 12 inches between adjacent vehicles. Additionally, the doors open to the third row, meaning that there’s no need for squeezing past the middle row to get to your seats.
As of now, the Model X is in a league of its own, but it won’t be for long. With the likes of Bentley promising a plug-in hybrid version of its new Bentayga SUV, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini hinting at similar goals, Audi showing off an all-electric crossover concept, and Aston Martin wanting to have one ready in the next year or two, the class of luxury electric SUVs will be seeing an influx in the next few years. Only time will really tell if the Model X will hold its ground. However, the Model X’s $130,000 price tag may just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.