2018 Tesla Model X electric

"The 2018 Tesla Model X is the only all-electric SUV you can buy this year. It’s swift, pleasant to travel in, and relatively practical, save for its somewhat silly doors." - The Car Connection 

The 2017 Tesla Model X is a good all-electric three-row SUV for families. The new Model X, which is based on the Model S sedan, has seating for up to seven people and exceptional performance, The Model X 75D has a 75 kWh battery, whereas the 90D has a 90 kWh battery, which extends the driving range even further. The P100D is the next-in-line model, with a 100 kWh battery.

The 2018 Tesla Model X is one of the most expensive SUVs on the market. The price for the base 75D before adding the $1,200 destination fee is $79,500. Step up to the 100D and the price jumps to right around $96,000. The top of the line P100D trim costs $140,000. The Model X will also get $7,500 federal tax credits. 

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.

The trims have been simplified to make purchases easier based on requirements. The Model X was traditionally offered in 5 different trims, which have been dropped down to just 3. Many optional features are available for all trim levels, including six- and seven-passenger configurations.  Upgraded audio and climate controls, auto-opening front doors, heated features for cold-weather driving, and satellite radio are all included in the Premium Upgrades package.

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Buyers of the Model X should go for the base trim. It has a slightly reduced range compared to the higher trims, but only by about 60 miles. It also comes with nearly all of the features seen in higher trims, but at a fraction of the price. In other words, you may equip the Model X 75D with multiple amenities while still paying 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.”- U.S. News

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Engine and Transmission

The 75D features a 75-kWh battery pack, whereas the 100D has a 100-kWh battery pack. The top-of-the-line P100D comes with a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack as well as far more powerful motors. The 75D and 100D have a dual-motor arrangement, with each motor rated at 259 horsepower, for a total of 518 horsepower.

The P100D's high-performance rear motor is replaced with a 503-hp one, but the front motor stays the same. Speed is controlled via a liquid-cooled Variable frequency Drive and power is sent through a single-speed fixed gear ratio on both axles.

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 the Model X SUV. Cayenne gets the biggest 3.6-liter V6 engine in the competition while the Audi Q7 and Merc GLS 450 get a 3-liter V6 engine. When power is considered, no car can match the 518 hp of the Model X and fall shapely behind the electric SUV.

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Acceleration

Model X has reached the zenith in delivering acceleration which to most competitors remains 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.

2018 Tesla Model X outshines all the SUVs 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.

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Handling and Steering

Model X is one of the best-handling SUVs available in the market. Even at higher speeds or while cruising on the highways, the car handles confidently on the curve 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 a remarkable response while cruising along the tarmac.

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV 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. The braking figure for the Model X is currently not available but we assure you that Tesla will have the best braking figures too.

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.

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Towing Capacity

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

The Porsche Cayenne offers the most towing capacity at 7,716 lbs followed closely by the 7,700 lbs by the Audi Q7. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offers 7,500 lbs of towing capacity which is better than the Tesla but falls short of the rest of the competition.  

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.

“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

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Seating and Comfort

The Tesla Model X features a higher driving position and a significantly taller cabin similar to the Model S. That means that while comfort and material quality are both great, fit might be uneven. It also means that the climate, audio, and other functions are controlled electronically, with the majority of the dashboard dominated by a huge 17-inch touch screen.

The Model X is exceptionally quiet and has seats that are comfortable for long periods of time. All three rows have amazing heating and cooling capabilities. Up front, there's plenty of room. Because of the skylight windows in the door, there is adequate headroom in the second row. 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. Some of the main interior features of the Tesla Model X are:

• 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.

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Infotainment

Though the control menus are extensive, the main touchscreen is large and responds nicely to your actions. The large 17-inch infotainment screen in the 2018 Model X acts as the car's command centre, and it features a pinch-and-swipe mechanism to handle audio, climate, and navigation.

A nine-speaker 240-watt audio system is standard for the Model X while Wifi connectivity and Bluetooth pairing are also available. Sadly there are is compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations.  

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV Cargo Space

The Model X offers 88.1 cubic feet of cargo space which get 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.

“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

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV 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 is an electric car that 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.

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.

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

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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 8-speed Automatic transmission. The car has a luxurious interior and with the price tag that it has, it is one of the best-equipped cars too. Like the other two rivals, it also lacks the power, safety, braking, and fuel efficiency to that 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.

2018 Tesla Model X electric SUV FAQs

How much does the 2018 Tesla Model X cost?

 The standard 75D costs $79,500 before including the $1,200 destination fee. When you upgrade to the 100D, the price climbs to roughly $96,000. The P100D trim is the most expensive, costing $140,000. In addition, the Model X will be eligible for $7,500 in federal tax credits.

How much range does the 2018 Tesla Model X offer?

The 75D is the entry-level trim of the 2018 Tesla Model X and comes with a 75-kWh battery delivering 237 miles of range. The 100D comes with a 100-kWh battery that extends the range to 295 miles. The P100D has a range of 289 miles.

How many people can the 2018 Tesla Model X seat?

The 2017 Tesla Model X seats five in standard configuration, though six or seven-seat configuration is available. 

How fast is the  2018 Tesla Model X?

The 2018 Tesla Model X 75D can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The 100D is 0.2 seconds faster with a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The high-performance P100D sprints to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.