Now that the Model X has been fully revealed, we can say that Tesla has officially made the family car cool. Of all the amazing new specs that make the Model X great, and there are a lot of them, the overall practicality of the car is brilliant. You may or may not know that Elon Musk has small five children. This car is a parent’s best friend. Now I’m not saying that the appeal of the Model X is limited to buyers with families, I’m just saying that dad may not have to drive that minivan after all. That is, if he has over $132,000 to spend on a new car.
The features of this car are out of this world. So let’s cover the big guns:
“Falcon” Doors:
These rear passenger doors open like wings. Tesla double hinged the doors and fitted them with ultrasonic center so they can scan the area around the vehicle, determine how much space there is, and adjust the door span to open accordingly. The doors can open with as little as 12 inches on each side of the vehicle. Also, there are capacitive sensors in the edges of each door. These are able to sense obstacles within 2 to 4 inches to prevent descending doors from whacking your head or crushing your fingers. The details that go into the door are great, but the overall idea is really brilliant. No more contortions to try to buckle small children into third row carseats or gymnastics to pack a car for a trip. Just open up the whole side of the car. Load or unload. Go.
Space:
Space on space on space. Even the seats are on pedals making them fully adjustable and giving you the ability to store things under seats.
Towing Capability:
The Model X has the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs. Tesla also offers an accessory hitch that can be attached to the back of the car in seconds. It can hold four bikes!
Panoramic Windshield:
This windshield is very unique. From Wired:
Along with the doors and the seats, Musk is especially proud of the “panoramic” windshield, which extends back over the front seat seats to provide an exceptional view. Tesla claims it is the largest windshield ever installed in a production vehicle […] [I]f you look at the X head-on, it appears to have a glass roof, and riding up front almost like being in a convertible.
Acceleration:
The all-electric crossover SUV will be initially offered in two different models. The first is the P90D Signature for $132,000 (Performance 90-kilowatt-hour dual-motor) and the P90D Founder with Ludicrous mode for $142,000. The Signature has a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds on its way to the 155-mph top speed. It has a 257-mile charge range. The Founder with Ludicrous goes 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The battery range is 250 miles per charge. Like the Model S, the Model X also quick charges at one of Tesla’s stations in 30 minutes.
The details are overwhelming, but truly revolutionary. I’ll be interested to see how other luxury car manufacturer’s start stepping up their game. I’d also like to know how similar or different other luxury all-electric SUVs will be. What are your thoughts? Comment below!
