2018 Tesla Model X Electric

Model X has been appreciated for higher standards of  performance, comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. It carries the design nuances similar to that of the Tesla Model S or you can call it a 7-seater SUV version of the Model S sedan. It gets dual-motors which sends power to all wheels of the car which can cover a distance of 295 miles in a single charge.

The most eye-catching feature of the model is falcon doors which replace the monotonous tradition of side-hinged rear doors. Starting at $79,500, the 2018 Tesla Model X is an expensive vehicle that has more seats, more cargo space, and—unique to a battery-electric vehicle—5,000 pounds of towing capacity than its sedan sister. 

The Model X has three trims: the “75D” has a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the “100D”  has a 100-kwh pack, and the top-of-the-line “P100D” also has a 100-kwh pack but more powerful motors. The base trim is priced at $79,500 and goes up to $140,000 for the top-end trim. Tesla has equipped the Model X SUV pretty heavily from the base trim itself.

Trim	Tesla Model X 75D	Tesla Model X 100D	Tesla Model X P100D
MSRP	$79,500	$96,000	$140,000
Key Features	Mobile app remote control FM/HD, online, on-demand & Internet radio, and Bluetooth® Two USB ports for media and power LED ambient interior lighting Center armrest with two cup holders Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity Keyless entry Voice activated controls Bluetooth hands-free calling and media streaming Largest glass panoramic windshield in production Onboard maps and navigation	Access to Tesla’s global Supercharger network Compatible with Tesla Wall Connectors 17” touchscreen display Mobile app remote control FM/HD, online, on-demand & Internet radio, and Bluetooth® Two USB ports for media and power LED ambient interior lighting Center armrest with two cup holders Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity Keyless entry Voice activated controls	Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity Keyless entry Voice activated controls Bluetooth hands-free calling and media streaming Largest glass panoramic windshield in production 2” receiver for hitch-mounted bike and ski carriers, capable of towing 5,000 pounds on 20” wheels or 3,500 pounds on 22” wheels Back-up camera Auto-dimming mirrors One-touch power windows Mobile app remote control FM/HD, online, on-demand & Internet radio, and Bluetooth® Two USB ports for media and power LED ambient interior lighting

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Model X buyers should stick with the base trim. It has a shorter range than the higher trims, but only by less than 60 miles. It's also available with pretty much every feature you can get in higher trims, yet it costs much less than they do. In other words, you can add several features to the Model X 75D and still pay less than you would for one of the higher trims.

“The 2018 Tesla Model X raises the bar for SUV performance with its nimble handling and breathtaking acceleration. It has a comfortable ride with little body roll, and it gets terrific fuel economy. It also has outstanding range for an electric vehicle.”- Cars.USnews

Engine and Transmission

Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack under the cabin floor and a pair of electric motors (one per axle), 2018 Tesla Model X plays an exceptional role as the sole long-range battery-electric family SUV on the market this year. The two motors in the model X have ratings of 259 hp on each motor. The higher-performance P100D replaces the rear motor with a vastly more powerful 518 hp unit, while the front motor stays the same. Tesla Model X's engine is extremely powerful for an EV.

Models	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
MSRP	$79,500	$60,600	$69,550	$56,400
Engine	Front & Rear High Efficiency 75 kWh battery	3.6-literPremium Unleaded V-6	3.0L V6 biturbo	3.0L TFSI V6 DOHC
Transmission	Single speed automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	518 hp	300 hp	362 hp	333 hp
Torque	387 lb-ft	295 lb-ft	369 lb-ft	325 lb-ft

The Porsche Cayenne SUV, Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, and Audi Q7 lie almost in the same cost bracket and are the main rival competitors of Model X SUV. Cayenne gets the biggest 3.6-liter V6 engine in the competition while the Audi Q7 and Merc GLS 450 get 3-liter V6 engine. When power is considered, no car can match the 518 hp of the Model X and fall shamely behind the electric SUV.

Acceleration

The model X has reached the zenith in delivering acceleration which to the most competitors remain only a dream. Every model in the lineup sprints from zero to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The high-performance P100D trim makes the dash in less than 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles around – SUV or otherwise.

Models	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
0-60 MPH	4.9 sec	7.3sec	6.5 sec	5.7 sec
Quarter mile		13.8 sec	16.5 sec	14.9
Engine	Electric motor	3.6L	3.0L	3.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)		8.8	9.3	8.4

2018 Tesla Model X outshines all the SUV's in competition to shame as all other cars have pretty slow acceleration figures. Audi Q7 comes the closest to Tesla Model X in the 0-60 run taking 5.7 seconds while Porsche Cayenne even with the biggest engine is the slowest car to reach 60 MPH.

Handling and Steering

Model X is one of the best handling SUV available in the market. Even at higher speeds or while cruising on the highways, the car handles confidently on the cursve and even along the pavements. With enhanced driving features, Model X surely is a joy to drive. You also get 3 different driving modes to step-up the handling and driving experience. Tesla has worked magic in that steering and you get remarkable response while cruising along the tarmac.

Braking

The 2018 Tesla Model X SUV has brakes that match its acceleration. The brake pedal provides a smooth and progressive feel that is very easy to manage. Even after being one of the heaviest compact SUVs out there, it gives one of the best results in the brake tests. Braking figure for the Model X is currently not available but we assure you that Tesla will have the best braking figures too.

Model	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
Brake Front (in.)	14.0	13.8	13.8	14.8
Brake Rear (in.)	14.4	13.0	13.6	13.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5,307	4,486	5,335	4,916
60-0 MPH (ft.)		126	120	117.9

The quickest to come to a halt amongst the rivals is the Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI. It takes just 117.9 feet to come to a stop from 60mph. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is also on the slower side at panic stops, with a distance of 120 feet. That’s unimpressive but still better than Porsche Cayenne SUV’s 126 feet.

Towing Capacity

Model X tows a total of 5,000 lbs. which very good for an electric car. All other gasoline powered rivals outshines the Tesla Model X in towing capacity but it is still good for the electric car to tow this much of weight.

Model	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
Towing Capacity (lbs.)	5,000	7,716	7,500	7,700

Being an electric car Tesla Model X will surely save you the amount you might pay for the gasoline cars. It has 91 mpg-e in the city and 95 mpg-e on the highway. Compared to a gas-powered rival like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Model X will save you about $1,600 each year in fuel costs.

As for charging, you can charge the Model X at your house via a standard 120-volt outlet. It will charge considerably faster with a 240-volt outlet, however. Model X owners also have access to Tesla's nationwide network of Supercharger stations. At one of these stations, you can recharge up to 80 percent of the battery's full range in about half an hour. Additionally, owners can get up to 400 kWh (or about 1,000 miles) of charging for free each year at the Supercharger network, with a small fee incurred after that.

Model	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
MPG (city)	91 (MPGe)	18	17	19
MPG (highway)	95 (MPGe)	24	22	25
MPG (combined)	93 (MPGe)	20	19	21

 

“The Model X is extremely quiet and equipped with seats that are suitable for long stints. It's heavy, but it manages its weight well. “- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The Model X seats five in its standard configuration, but you can increase capacity to six or seven with available upgrades. Standard features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a panoramic front windshield (featuring a single piece of glass that runs from the base of the windshield up to the roof over the front row of seats), 14-way power-adjustable front seats, and Falcon Wing rear doors. These double-hinged doors open from the roof and feature sensors to avoid obstacles when they open.

Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are available. Depending on whether you get the five-seat, six-seat, or seven-seat Model X, you’ll have up to four LATCH systems for installing child seats.

 

Model	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
Passenger capacity	5	5	7	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.7/60.7/41.2	39.6/58.9/57.2	41.2/58.5/40.3	38.4/59.5/41.7
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.9/56.8/38.4	39.0/57.0/36.0	40.0/58.3/38.5	38.8/58.5/38.8
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)			38.9/50.5/35.0	35.9/49.4/29.2

 

The front seats are comfortable, supportive, and have plenty of room. Thanks to the panoramic windshield, driver visibility is outstanding. The second-row seats have ample space, but they lack the generous accommodations of some competitors' second rows. Additionally, some tall passengers may want more legroom. The third row is best left for the children, which isn't uncommon in a 3-row SUV.

 

Interior Features

• largest touch screen in the market: a 17-inch touch screen 5-inch screen
• a nine-speaker sound system
• collision avoidance
• automatic emergency braking
• a rearview camera
• power-operated and heated side mirrors
• proximity key entry

Optional features include:

• Navigation
• Wireless charging for enabled smartphones
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 360-degree camera system
• adaptive cruise control
• lane keep assist, automatic parking
• summon feature
• the Autopilot system
• 17-speaker sound system
• satellite radio
• high-amperage charger.

Infotainment

Standard features in the Model X include four USB ports, a 17-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and navigation. Available features include a 17-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and a high-amperage charger.

For all its technology, the Model X doesn't offer connectivity features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it has plenty of other bells and whistles, most of which are controlled via the gargantuan 17-inch touch screen. The screen has crisp graphics and responds well to inputs, but the menu layout could be simpler.

Cargo

The Model X offers 88.1 cubic feet of cargo space which gets altered depending upon the seating configuration. That is one of the highest cargo capacities in the class, but there isn't a lot of small-item storage throughout the cabin. The optional third row folds flat, which helps when you want to haul larger items. However, the second row doesn't fold at all, limiting cargo carrying versatility.

Model	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)			16.0	14.8
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	26.0	23.7	49.4	37.5
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	88.0	62.9	93.8	71.6

 

“When viewed from the front, the 2018 Tesla Model X is almost indistinguishable from its sexy sedan brother, the Model S, which is still one of the best-looking cars around.”-Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The 2018 Tesla Model X has an impactful design and looks extremely beautiful upfront. The only thing that’s missing is a front grille which can make a car look even more appealing but Tesla being an electric car doesn.t require one.

Tesla doors open upwards making it look even cooler. The car is sleek and has low center-of gravity which adds up to its safety too.

 

 

Model	Tesla Model X 75D	Porsche Cayenne SUV	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI
Curb weight (lbs.)	5,307	4,486	5,335	4,916
Length(in)	198.3	191.1	201.6	199.6
Width(in)	81.5	78.7	84.3	77.5
Height(in)	66.0	67.4	72.8	68.5
Ground clearance (in)	7.0	8.4	8.5	8.1
Wheelbase (in)	116.7	114.0	121.1	117.9
Track width (in) F/R	65.4/66.9	65.2/65.7	65.2/65.9	66.1/66.6

 

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• LED headlights in Premium Plus
• Xenon HIDs in Premium
• Heated and power adjusting side mirrors
• Audi’s Side Assist in Premium Plus
• 19 inch 10 spoke titanium alloy wheels in sports plus package
• Standard 18 inch turbine alloy wheels
• 19-inch off-road design wheels with sports package.

Model X Crash Test Results

The 2018 Model X has a perfect five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Model X Safety Features

Standard driver assistance features include collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Available features include a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic parking, a summon feature, and the Autopilot system, which is a suite of driver assistance features that can – at its highest level of application – drive the car without human intervention.

Safety Features

Advanced active safety technology

Eight airbags throughout

Electronic stability and traction control

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic parking brake

Acoustic front row safety belt warning

Rollover crash sensor

Four LATCH attachments for child seat installations in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations

Rear door child safety locks

 

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	5 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

 

IIHS has not yet rated

The 2018 Tesla Model X SUV adds a rearview camera and rain-sensing windshield wipers as standard safety features. Optional safety features include:

• Parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Collision mitigation braking
• Lane departure warning
• Heads-up display
• Traffic sign information
• Automatic high beams

 

2018 Tesla Model X vs Porsche Cayenne SUV

Porsche Cayenne is one of the most luxurious SUV from the house of Porsche. It packs a 3.6-liter V6 engine which makes 300 hp and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is an ideal car for those who seek luxury and performance altogether. But it lacks the power that Model X offers and also the huge equipment list that Tesla offers with Model X.

 

2018 Tesla Model X vs Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Mercedes has been manufacturing some of the most luxurious cars and GLS 450 is one of them. Merc GLS 450 gets a 3-liter V6 engine which comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes GLS 450 stands no way near the Tesla Model X in terms of performance, styling, fuel efficiency, and braking but when it comes to interior styling, towing, and hauling capacity the GLS 450 is a clear winner.

 

2018 Tesla Model X vs Audi Q7

Audi Q7 has been Audi’s flagship SUV for years and the car has been getting cosmetic changes for past years. Under its hood, it gets a 3-liter V6 powertrain that generates 333 hp and is coupled with an 8-speed Automatic transmission. The car has luxurious interior and with the price tag that it has, it is one of the best equipped car too. Like other two rivals, it also lacks the power, safety, braking, and fuel efficiency to what Model X has to offer.

With very well offered features and specification 2018 Tesla Model X SUV performs very well. The Tesla Model X is an SUV with an excellent performance and best-in-class features. It is one of the most heavily equipped SUV you’ll ever see and also the safest of all.