Automotive

Tesla Model X launched with dual-hinge falcon wing doors, Bioweapon Defense Mode

Tesla Model X launched with dual-hinge falcon wing doors, Bioweapon Defense Mode
Elon Musk introduces the Tesla Model X
Elon Musk introduces the Tesla Model X
View 12 Images
Tesla will offer two different drivetrains on the Model X, including a P90D with Ludicrous mode
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Tesla will offer two different drivetrains on the Model X, including a P90D with Ludicrous mode
Despite having three-row seating, the Model X still has a spacious boot
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Despite having three-row seating, the Model X still has a spacious boot
The Model X concept has barely been changed in the transtion to production car - the car launched today look almost identical to this concept
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The Model X concept has barely been changed in the transtion to production car - the car launched today look almost identical to this concept
The Model X will be available in two different trim levels from launch, with prices starting at US$132,000
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The Model X will be available in two different trim levels from launch, with prices starting at US$132,000
With its falcon wing doors, the Model X promises to be different to any other family car
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With its falcon wing doors, the Model X promises to be different to any other family car
The Model X has three rows of seating inside, so the whole family
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The Model X has three rows of seating inside, so the whole family
The car's falcon wing doors will let second and third row passengers easily access their seats in tight parking spaces
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The car's falcon wing doors will let second and third row passengers easily access their seats in tight parking spaces
The Model X will be taking flight with falcon wing doors
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The Model X will be taking flight with falcon wing doors
Tesla Model X launch
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Tesla Model X launch
Just as it did with the Model S, Tesla has engineered the Model X to be safer than any other 5-star car on the road
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Just as it did with the Model S, Tesla has engineered the Model X to be safer than any other 5-star car on the road
Elon Musk introduces the Tesla Model X
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Elon Musk introduces the Tesla Model X
The doors dual-hinge design mean they can be opened in a garage without hitting the walls
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The doors dual-hinge design mean they can be opened in a garage without hitting the walls
View gallery - 12 images

After almost two years of delays and setbacks, the Tesla Model X has finally been revealed in full production trim. With a claimed range of 414 km (257 mi), the Model X won’t go quite as far on a charge as the Model S, but it has three rows of seating, a new take on the scissor door and a hospital grade air filtering system dubbed "Bioweapon Defense Mode."

As you might have guessed, the Model X will be underpinned by Tesla’s "skateboard" chassis. That means the 90 kWh battery pack is set within the chassis, with a motor attached to the front and rear axles for all-wheel drive.

The Model X will be available in two different trim levels from launch, with prices starting at US$132,000
The Model X will be available in two different trim levels from launch, with prices starting at US$132,000

Unless you're planning on crossing a country, range hasn't really proven a problem for any of Tesla's recent cars, and the Model X is no different. The 90D will go 414 km (257 mi) before it needs topping up, while upgrading to the 90D Performance lessens range to 402 km (250 mi), more than enough for the daily school run and commute.

Charging can be tackled by a small wall charger, an optional home fast charger or at the rapidly-growing number of Supercharger stations popping up across America and Europe.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Telsa without some insane acceleration stats. In the top P90D Ludicrous spec, the Model X will sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.2 seconds – the same as the Model S P85D we've just reviewed. The non-performance 90D will do the sprint in 4.8 seconds, still faster than most hot hatches can manage.

In fact it’s not just crazy for a family car, but crazy for just about anything. The standard Porsche 911 Turbo takes the same 3.2 seconds as the Model X, while Audi’s RS6 super-wagon can only manage a sprint time of 3.9 seconds.

The Model X will be taking flight with falcon wing doors
The Model X will be taking flight with falcon wing doors

Looking at the Model X, one feature really stands out. They might look like pure show-car theatre, but the production car will be taking flight with falcon wing doors that, as well as making your family car look like a Mercedes SLS, offer up easy access to the second and third row seats.

They appear huge, but Tesla says the doors’ dual-hinge design mean they can be opened in a garage without hitting the walls. If you have a particularly small garage, a special ultrasonic sensor has been set up to make sure your wings aren't clipped by the roof.

The car's falcon wing doors will let second and third row passengers easily access their seats in tight parking spaces
The car's falcon wing doors will let second and third row passengers easily access their seats in tight parking spaces

As an SUV, Tesla's latest car will need to cart more than just passengers – it'll need to cart kids, strollers, bikes and more. Thanks to a new "accessories hitch," the Model X can carry bikes, skis and snowboards on the outside of the car without impeding on bootspace. It can also tow 2268 kg (5000 lb), the same as a Ford Explorer.

Inside, the Model X will be familiar to anyone who has sat in a Model S. What is new, however, is the air filtration system. The system includes a huge HEPA filter that, if it's working to its maximum capability, can be used in "Bioweapon Defense Mode" that apparently makes the air inside the car as clean and clear as a hospital ward.

Yep, that's right – Bioweapon Defense Mode. At today's launch, Elon Musk even joked that Tesla was trying to "be a leader in apocalyptic defense scenarios." Maybe he knows something we don't about what's to come?

It might have taken slightly longer than Tesla had hoped, but the Americans will still have the electric SUV market to themselves for the time being. Audi plans to release an all-electric crossover in 2018, but until then the Model X will be competing with hybrids like the Volvo XC90 T8 and Audi Q7 e-tron.

So, how much will the Model X set you back? At launch there are two models available, the P90D Signature (US$132,000) and the P90D Founder edition (US$142,000), expect to pay much less for the standard 90D and non-special edition P90D's when they hit the roads.

Source: Tesla

View gallery - 12 images
27 comments
27 comments
Dziks
Ludicrous prices but I am happy to see EV's growing market. Looking forward to seeing mid-class, 500km range, affordable EV - Tesla III?
The Creator
Given how great the model S looks, I'm a little surprised at how this thing turned out. IMO its ugly. Especially the back end which looks like a Prius... one of the ugliest vehicles currently available. Good thing I wasn't in the market for one of these or I'd have been HUGELY disappointed.
David Wedge
What an opportunity, missed! It could have looked like the Ford Evos concept, 4 gull wing doors and everything. It doesn't... Just the car for those who want to save the planet (human race really!) AND they can live it when it all goes wrong!!! So long as they don't want to go more than 257 after the apocalypse :-)
agarsum
All other suv's feel like relic's now. Pre-ordered mine after watching the unveiling.
gizmowiz
Rumor has it that if the rear doors are opened at above 120 mph the car will go airborne--like a seagull--making passing other cars on a 2 lane highway very easy. Just kidding.
Buellrider
Cost is a limiting factor with these Teslas. I demo'd a $100k+ model D (I think) and was impressed by it's power but couldn't really see why it should cost so much. When Tesla get down to earth on their prices then they will sell like hotcakes but so long as they have their prices so high they will only be a dream for the masses.
Stephen N Russell
produce more for rent & sales esp to meet those darn emission regs for 2050 , must expand Tesla production & or have another plant in NV for soon to grow demand for.
Island Architect
Extremely Clean Design. No bizzaro crap here.
Bravo to Franz! And Elon.
b
pickypilot
After owning our Model S for three months, I'm looking forward to getting a Model X but will wait till next spring. Production will be caught up with demand (I hope). Given the fact that Tesla continues to improve their vehicles during the model year, I believe it's a wise decision to wait a little while.
Robert in Vancouver
Not very good looking, and price is way beyond what 99.9% of us can afford. Tesla will be lucky to sell 10 of these.
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