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Sam Charlwood24 Aug 2016
REVIEW

Tesla Model X 2016 Shotgun Review

US car-maker’s long-awaited electric SUV has all the makings of a giant-killer

Tesla Model X P90D
First Australian Co-Drive

The Tesla Model X has had a drawn-out gestation. As the immediate follow-up to the highly successful Model S sedan that rocked the automotive world in 2012, there have been several hurdles to clear before this high-riding sibling inevitably leaps to critical acclaim. First there was the initial concept revealed in 2012,  replete with uber-cool ‘Falcon Wing’ doors and that sleek, undeniably Tesla profile. The US car-maker hinted we would see the production version the following year before delays pushed that out to 2014, and then out to 2015.

After such a long preamble, there was a real sense of anticipation to get behind the wheel of the world’s quickest production SUV at the national media launch in Sydney this week – some four years after its original unveiling.

Sadly, on this occasion, the familiarisation was limited to a front-seat ride in a left-hand drive prototype rather than an all-out road test. What’s another few months between friends?

Nonetheless, there are a couple of key observations to come from our 10-minute ride-along.

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The packaging and practicality of the Model X is first-rate. There is more in-car storage than the smaller Model S, with bottle-friendly door pockets, a large centre console and more cubbies and spaces for odds and ends – a real criticism of the sedan.

The frunk (abbreviation of front trunk) at the pointy end of the vehicle will comfortably house a set of golf clubs and the boot is big enough to house a couple of full-size suitcases.

Tesla’s much-vaunted ‘skateboard’ architecture – whereby the batteries are located under the floor – liberates plenty of space for occupants, adding to the fact there is no traditional transmission tunnel.

Alcantara trim blends in neatly with quality surface treatments on the dashboards and door sleeves, punctuated by ultra-crisp digital displays in the form of a 17-inch centre touch-screen and corresponding digital instrument cluster.

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It all amounts to refreshing sense of minimalism: there is negligible physical switchgear and the cabin feels unflustered and uncomplicated.

Then there are the doors. We’re told at the presentation those Falcon Wing contraptions aren’t just a theatrical stunt; much of the car’s functionality is centred on their design. Each door features two articulation points that adjust their opening arcs as the incorporated sensors (six on each side) see fit.

Tesla says the Model X requires a minimum gap of 30cm to the side in order for the doors to open. Each rear door can be operated via key fob or a button on the inside. They open to their highest point within a matter of seconds – though you get the feeling flustered mums and dads may grow tired of the whole ‘press the button and stand back’ process.

With the door raised to their bird-of-prey-like position, there is about 1.8 metres worth of standing space as you step into the Model X. Once inside, the cabin is plush and comfortable; there is plenty of rear seat space and each pew is comparable to a driver’s seat, with adequate bolstering and support.

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Both vehicles on display at launch are the P90D variety that will sit at the penultimate rung of the line-up, one in six-seat format and one in seven-seat format. The Model X will come standard in five-door guise in Australia.

In both formats the second-row seats feature electric slide and tilt function, operable via buttons on the side of each pew. Being five metres in overall length, the third row is naturally restricted to little ones, with limited head and knee room, though it could accommodate adults on shorter trips.

So, how does it go? Not surprisingly the Model X is extremely quick. With Tesla US spokeswoman Alexis Georgeson at the wheel in a private car park, we scale from nought to 100km/h in comfortably less than four seconds -- a big feat considering its circa 2.5-tonne kerb weight.

With a 193kW electric motor powering the front wheels, working in unison with another 193kW electric motor driving the rear, the P90D’s standing-start and rolling acceleration is essentially peerless in this kind of scenario.

Pricing and Features
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With the Ludicrous software upgrade optioned, it will scale to triple figures in a claimed 3.2 seconds, though you get the feeling a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S would wave it goodbye on an open road.

Similarly, the first impression on ride and handling is positive. The body is well restrained over sharp road joins and speed bumps – even at speed and on 20-inch wheels – and the cabin is well insulated from the outside elements.

The Model X certainly has a lot to live up to, with a starting price of $122,812 (plus on-road costs) in Australia, moving to over $300,000 in the newly-announced P100D flagship guise with full options taken into account. The latter will purportedly launch to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds and offer a total electric range of 542km.

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If you order now you will need to wait another six months before it is delivered. But unlike the Model S, you kind of know what you’re getting into this time round. That this second Tesla offers more space, more functionality and better thought-out storage options suggests the mould-breaking car-maker has again done its homework.

Our verdict, at least after this brief first impression, is resoundingly positive. The Model X might wait for no-one, but we're pretty sure customers in Australia will be glad they bided their time.

2016 Tesla Model X P90D pricing and specifications:
Price: $201,072 plus on-road costs
Engine: Twin electric motors
Output: 193kW (front), 375kW (rear)
Transmission: Reduction gear
Fuel: N/A (per Green Vehicle Guide)
CO2: N/A (per Green Vehicle Guide)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

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Pros
  • Acceleration
  • Ride/handling
  • Packaging and refinement
Cons
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  • Waiting list
  • Lack of recharging infrastructure
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